Carter's partner to have say in replacement

The partner of outgoing Labour MP Chris Carter may yet help to choose his replacement in the Te Atatu electorate, with Labour president Andrew Little today not ruling out that prospect.

Labour's caucus MPs in Wellington yesterday expelled Mr Carter after he sent an anonymous letter aimed at undermining party leader Phil Goff.

Caucus referred the matter to the national council, which will decide whether Mr Carter broke any rules.

Mr Carter was likely to be expelled from the party at its next council meeting on August 7.

If expelled, Labour would need to chose a new candidate for Te Atatu, where his partner Peter Kaiser is electorate committee chairman.

Labour Party president Andrew Little said that was not immediately relevant.

"Just at the moment the efforts and attention is on Chris Carter and dealing with his situation.

"Issues may or may not arise about Peter Kaiser and his position but that, ultimately, would be a matter for Peter," Mr Little told Radio New Zealand.

He said he had not personally spoken with Mr Kaiser.

Mr Little did not back Mr Carter's contention that moves were afoot to roll Mr Goff as leader.

He said the caucus was united and had been getting good traction over recent months, and there was no split between union MPs and others in the party, as Mr Carter suggested in his letter.

Mr Little said Mr Carter's behaviour was not that of a politician that was functioning in a proper way.

"Being an MP...it is a challenging and difficult role to play, it can be very lonely at times, there are highs and lows."

Mr Carter had found it difficult to adjust to being in Opposition, he said.

Mr Little confirmed that Mr Carter recently travelled to Tibet, a trip being painted as unsanctioned by Mr Goff.