The New Zealand high commission contacted the deputy prime minister last week to tell him that preliminary advice from the Department of Internal Affairs indicated he could be a citizen of New Zealand by descent. Joyce dug in on Monday, telling parliament he would not step aside while his matter was heard by the high court. Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) So one National Senator Matt Canavan resigns from Cabinet, says he won’t vote until High Court but Dep. Joyce assumed Canavan’s portfolio responsibilities, because he has already been referred to the high court because of his possible Italian dual citizenship. The deputy prime minister will keep voting on legislation in the normal fashion while the case is heard.

Source: The Guardian August 14, 2017 00:54 UTC