Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni stood down over mother's charges

Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni has been stood down from her social development role after her mother was charged with several counts of benefit fraud.

Labour leader Andrew Little said Ms Sepuloni had only learned of the charges today when One News approached her for comment on the matter.

"Carmel has assured me she didn't know her mother was facing these charges." He said she would stay on the front bench and in her role as Junior Whip, but had agreed step aside temporarily as social development spokesperson while the matter was dealt with.

One New reported that the charges Ms Sepuloni faced including applying for invalid and sickness benefits when she was not entitled to them, beginning in 2006. She is due to appear in court tomorrow.