Ross offers proxy vote

Jami-Lee Ross has revealed he is preparing to return to Parliament.

The Botany MP, who has been expelled from the National Party, has also written to his former colleagues offering them his proxy vote in Parliament.

“I appreciate all the recent messages of support,” he said on Twitter yesterday.

“I was well looked after by the fantastic people at Middlemore, and grateful for their care. On medical advice I remain on leave, but have given National my proxy vote to ensure Botany continues to be represented in Parliament.”

Ross wrote to National’s senior whip Barbara Kuriger to offer his proxy vote to National to maintain party proportionality in Parliament.

If National accepted the offer of his vote, it would mean he would not be kicked out of Parliament under the new waka-jumping law because proportionality would be maintained.

In a statement, a National spokesman said: “The National Party received a letter from Mr Ross late this morning offering to provide his proxy vote to the National Party. “We will consider his offer.” Meanwhile Ross’ office has been packed up from out of the third floor in Parliament House and moved across the road. Speaker Trevor Mallard on Tuesday would not comment on whether he had held discussions with Ross about any return.