Wellington - A high-flying New Zealand opposition MP and former minister saw his political career implode on Thursday when he was exposed as the author of a malicious letter about his party leadership.
Chris Carter was tossed out of the Labour Party caucus for sending an anonymous letter to several news organisations claiming plans were afoot to overthrow party leader Phil Goff.
Although the letters were typed, the envelopes were handwritten, which Goff said pointed directly to the author.
"It was clearly evident from the handwriting on the envelope that it was Mr Carter's handwriting," Goff said, adding that Carter's actions had been "stupid and disloyal".
"Chris Carter has no future in the Labour Party I lead."
Carter, who was New Zealand's first openly gay cabinet minister, was recently demoted by Goff when the publication of MPs' spending showed his excessive outlay on travel, hotels and meals while a minister and in opposition.
The 14-year political veteran held a variety of portfolios in the last Labour government including education and conservation and was ranked seventh on the Labour Party list. - AFP