Rogue MP Dr Gaurav Sharma's been booted from the Labour Party caucus after a last-minute meeting was held to decide his political fate.
The Prime Minister says the backbencher has broken the trust of his colleagues. It comes six days after Dr Sharma first published explosive, widespread bullying allegations which the party has disputed since day one.
In his maiden speech, Dr Sharma spelt out what would eventually become his parliamentary purpose: "I was bullied at school, but Mr Hawkes and Mr Schmidt taught me to stand up against bullies".
But it's how Dr Sharma stood up to who he claims are bullies which has seen the Labour Party caucus kick him out in a unanimous vote for bringing Labour into disrepute for unfounded allegations. It's effective immediately.
He's lost the trust of his colleagues.
The Prime Minister says despite Dr Sharma helping pick the time of the meeting and texts, calls and messages, he didn't show up.
"We had everyone else rearrange their diaries to make themselves available for what they considered to be a very important discussion. It is disappointing the member in question did not," said Ardern.
The caucus also met on Monday night, but Dr Sharma wasn't invited. In a text message to Newshub, he alleged the outcome of Tuesday's meeting was predetermined at that late-night meeting.
Ardern rejects the decision was predetermined.
"The reason we were having to have this meeting in the first place was because confidential conversations amongst MPs were being shared publicly."
On Monday, Dr Sharma shared screenshots of messages he claims were from other MPs alleging bullying. The Prime Minister maintains his claims are baseless.
"There's nothing to substantiate the allegations," she said.
The Prime Minister ultimately left Dr Sharma's fate in his own hands. She said this was his final warning, hoping Tuesday's decision draws a line under the rogue MP's behaviour.
