Marama Fox has stepped down as co-leader of the Māori Party, the party's executive has announced. It leaves the party without any leader, after Te Ururoa Flavell stepped down from co-leadership in July.
The party said she was stepping down because of issues "related to her private business".
Ms Fox publicly apologised after it was revealed her business was liquidated with debts over $70,000.
It owes $40,000 to a travel agent, $30,000 to a Masterton IT firm called Ohnyx, and Craig Nelson, landlord of a commercial premises in Masterton, told Newshub on Tuesday he evicted Ms Fox after she failed to pay $15,000 in rent.
"We know that her absolute priority is to repay any outstanding debts, and we believe that is the right and proper course of action for her to take", Māori Party President Che Wilson said.
"We acknowledge the significant contribution that Marama has made to the Party over the years. Marama has been a dedicated advocate for social justice issues, particularly related to family violence".
In July, the Māori Party said it was considering not having any leaders while the party is not in Parliament.
The Māori Party failed to win any electorate seats in the 2017 election, and gained just1.1 percent of the party vote.
Newshub.
