Photo: SuppliedFormer National MP Jackie Blue is changing her political allegiances, saying the government's handling of pay equity changes was her breaking point. She's resigned her National Party membership and is joining the Opportunity party as a mentor to its new leader. "This is not a decision I take lightly, but I can no longer remain aligned to the National Party," Blue said in a statement to media on Friday. She said workers were "belittled and mocked" during MPs' debate on pay pay equity changes. She joins former Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway, who also advises Wong in his capacity as the party's general manager.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 05, 2026 19:33 UTC