New Zealand Politics Take Tawdry Turn Before September Election

  • Government minister sacked after admitting affair with staffer
  • Opposition politician allegedly sent explicit images to women
Jacinda ArdernPhotographer: Mark Mitchell/NZME/Bloomberg
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New Zealand politics have taken a tawdry turn ahead of a September election, with two parliamentarians losing their jobs this week over allegations of inappropriate behavior.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday dismissed cabinet minister Iain Lees-Galloway after he admitted to an extra-marital affair with a former staffer. Yesterday, opposition National Party politician Andrew Falloon resigned from parliament after allegedly sending pornographic material to several women.