'Significant distraction': Stuart Nash resigns as NZ First candidate after 'sexist' comments
Stuart Nash has resigned as an NZ First candidate following backlash over sexist comments directed at a National Party MP. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that Nash would not serve in his government regardless of the resignation.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the political consequences of public rhetoric and the impact of social media scrutiny on political careers.
Stuart Nash says a private message he sent became a "significant distraction", leading to his resignation as an NZ First candidate.
Nash was roundly condemned as sexist on Wednesday by MPs at Parliament for calling National's Napier MP lazy for taking nine months off work at full pay.
In reality, Katie Nimon took six months away from Parliament after having a baby.
Winston Peters took to social media late on Wednesday night to say Nash had resigned and it had been accepted.
Earlier, the prime minister ruled out Nash from serving as a minister in a government he leads.
Christopher Luxon also took to social media late on Wednesday night, following speculation of Nash's resignation .
National Party leader Christopher Luxon (L) and NZ First candidate Stuart Nash (R).
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