Labour has been forced into contesting a by-election in Hamilton West, that could be a litmus test for next year's election.
Independent MP Gaurav Sharma has quit Parliament in what he's calling a pre-emptive move to avoid being ousted through waka-jumping legislation.
It's paved the way for a costly by-election that's Labour's to lose - having won it in the the 'red wave' of 2020.
Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.
