Leoni to run as independent in Tāmaki Makaurau, raising questions for Seymour

Kerrin Leoni has decided to run as an independent in Tāmaki Makaurau, the Māori electorate, but her name is still on the ballot as a Labour candidate. Ballot papers have already been printed that way. David Seymour says he has been trying to work out what will happen constitutionally if she wins the seat, according to RNZ.

Leoni resigned as Labour's candidate after party leader Chris Hipkins said it was not tenable for her to stay on, following a video of her campaigning with gang members. Three days after resigning, she announced she would sit as an independent MP if elected, Te Ao Māori News reported. Leoni is also a candidate for Auckland mayor.

Seymour said voters will see Leoni listed as a Labour candidate on the ballot, and that this will guide how they vote. He also questioned whether Labour could use the waka-jumping law against Leoni if she wins. That law concerns MPs who leave the party they were elected for. In Leoni's case, she would be reported elected as a Labour candidate while saying she is not a member of the Labour Party.

Seymour said Hipkins had created a "constitutional cluster" of stupendous proportions. Asked about reprinting the ballot papers, he said the election process has very clear rules and timelines, and that he would not want changes made to suit one political party.