Māori Party president quits, calls for co-leaders to do the same

9:46 am on 12 December 2017

The president of the Māori Party, Tukoroirangi Morgan, has resigned and is calling for the party's co-leaders to follow suit.

Tukoroirangi "Tuku" Morgan.

Tukoroirangi "Tuku" Morgan has resigned from the party. Photo: RNZ / Mei Heron

The party is no longer in Parliament after losing its only electorate seat and getting just 1.2 percent of the party vote in September's election.

The party's co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said he has no intention of standing in the next election.

But the other co-leader Marama Fox told Morning Report she'll put her hand up again and let the party decide if she should stay on as leader.

"I absolutely feel there is more to do on behalf Māoridom and for the party with the kaupapa of seeking to have an independent voice, but also to relentlessly raise the issues of disparity and inequality for Māori.

"I would be very humbled if the party thinks I'm the right person to do that," Ms Fox said.

Ms Fox said the decision will be made the party's AGM.

"People are looking towards the future and think that obviously what happened over this election and the previous couple was a declining support for the Māori Party then there needs to be a fresh look."

"I believe we need to be paving the way for our young people to come through."

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