6 Nov 2020

Māori Party wins second MP as National loses two on special votes

From Checkpoint, 5:15 pm on 6 November 2020

The revolving door of politics has spat out two National MP's after the party lost its grip on three electorates in the final confirmed vote count.

Maungakiekie, Whangārei and Northland have all gone over to Labour, extending its majority further.

The Māori Party has doubled its MPs to two, after confirming its victory in the close run seat of Waiariki and increasing its party vote.

Labour was happy to front its winners but not Tamati Coffey, who lost Waiariki - the only Labour seat to turn.

Today's results also forced the hand of National's Gerry Brownlee - he is stepping down as deputy leader.

Here's RNZ political editor, Jane Patterson.

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