Don Nardella resigns from Labor Party

UPDATE:

Melton MP Don Nardella has been kicked out of the Labor Party caucus for refusing to pay back more than $100,000 he claimed in a second residence allowance.

He’ll remain in Parliament as an independent crossbencher and serve out his term.

Premier Daniel Andrews issued a statement on Tuesday morning saying he requested Mr Nardella pay back the money he received for claiming a second residence allowance, while living in Ocean Grove.

“Mr Nardella indicated he would not repay the money, so I asked for his resignation from the Victorian Parliamentary Labor Party and he provided it,” the statement read.

“It is self evident that MPs representing metropolitan electorates should not claim this allowance.”

Mr Nardella last week told Star Weekly he would not be contesting preselection for the Melton seat at next year’s election.

Bundoora MP Colin Brooks will be appointed as speaker to replace Tarneit MP Telmo Languiller, who also quit for claiming a second residence allowance.

His deputy will be Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards.

EARLIER:

Melton MP Don Nardella has resigned from the Labor Party.

More to come.