Mark Richardson accidentally hinted at plans to run in a Botany by-election live on The AM Show on Tuesday.
The seat's future is in doubt after MP Jami-Lee Ross announced on Tuesday he would step down as a MP and run in a by-election as an independent.
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On Friday he announced he would not be resigning and would remain in Parliament. National could choose to expel him through the waka-jumping legislation, but leader Simon Bridges is yet to say whether he would.
Mr Ross was visited by police early on Sunday and 'sectioned' under the Mental Health Act, which means he did not go into care voluntarily.
It is not known what will happen when he leaves care.
Richardson, The AM Show's sportsreader and proud National supporter, let slip that he had plans for Botany during a discussion on drug use.
"I'm telling you right now I will eradicate the gangs, I'll eradicate meth and the supply, starting with Botany," he said.
Acting host Ryan Bridge quickly asked him if he was announcing something, but Richardson wanted to change the subject.
"Are you announcing something right now?" Bridge said. "Are you going to make a run for it?"
"No, take us out to the ad break," Richardson said.
"What do you mean starting with Botany?" Bridge said.
"Time for an ad!" Richardson said.
A representative for The AM Show later explained to Newshub that Richardson was referring to botany as in plants, not the electorate.
Newshub.
