Turia resigns

My spies in Wellington (I am in Thames as I type this!) report that Tariana Turia has resigned from Parliament.

I am told Radio Watea reported that she has decided to resign from Parliament over the foreshore and seabed issue and that the news was announced at 3pm on Radio Waatea 603am.

Turia is holding a press conference at Ratana Pa.

A by-election must be held between 4 and 8 weeks from now. May knock the budget bribes off the front pages. The Pm effectively will decide the by-election date.

UPDATE 1: NZPA has a story.

UPDATE 2: Turia resigns on 19 May so election will be late June or July.

UPDATE 3: Clark has just sacked Turia from Cabinet and the Executive.