Williams blames clash with deputy for drop on NZ First list

New Zealand First's Andrew Williams speaks at an event at the Kumeu Baptist Church. Photo / Chris Loufte

New Zealand First MP Andrew Williams has blamed his low list ranking on a clash with the party's deputy leader, saying she sees him as a threat and wants him "removed".

Mr Williams has fallen from 3rd to 13th on a draft party list, meaning his re-election is highly unlikely. The finalised list is expected to be released this weekend.

The first-term list MP said the party's No 2, Tracey Martin, and party president Anne Martin, Tracey's mother, were responsible for his demotion in the rankings.

He said he had clashed with Tracey Martin ever since she became deputy ahead of him a year ago.

Mr Williams said he was now an outsider despite being the most experienced politician after his stint as the North Shore mayor.

New Zealand First's list is decided by a List Ranking Committee which includes the leader, deputy, president, vice-presidents and directors.

Tracey Martin could not be reached for comment last night. Anne Martin said Mr Williams was "making assumptions" about his list placing and she was disappointed in him.

Williams made headlines as mayor in 2010 for urinating outside his council building after drinking at a nearby bar, then driving home. In 2009, Prime Minister John Key said he had received "obnoxious and aggressive" text messages from Williams.