NZ First Winston Peters will make a statement in Parliament at 3pm about the future of MP Brendan Horan.

It is understood that NZ First leader Winston Peters wants Horan to leave Parliament because of a cloud hanging over him after allegations surrounding his late mother's bank accounts.

He does not have the power to eject Horan from Parliament but he could move on his party membership.

Peters is concerned the issue will drag on and cast a pall over the party, but a statement from Horan's solicitor today indicated he intended to stay as a MP.

Peters said the statement from Horan's lawyer had been passed to him by the media, but he had not yet read it.

"Look I'm not responding to someone else's press statement," he said. 

In the statement, lawyer Paul Mabey said as a result of the death of Horan's mother various issues had arisen concerning the administration of her estate.

"Those matters are private and personal to the family. Unfortunately some persons, for their own reasons, have chosen to make them public. 

"Mr Horan has been the subject of unwarranted and unfair publicity which has implied that he is dishonest and has stolen from his mother. There can be no other interpretation of that publicity. 

"Mr Horan completely denies any suggestion that he has stolen from his mother or misappropriated her money or assets.

"He regrets that a private and personal family matter has been made public and his only wish is that the issues concerning his mother's estate are resolved quickly and properly.

"He invites any investigation into his mother's affairs and is confident that any proper investigation will exonerate him entirely. 

"Mr Horan will make no personal comment at all on these matters, but has instructed that this release be made on his behalf.

"As far as Mr Horan is concerned the sooner these matters are resolved the better as he will then be able to return to his work as a Member of Parliament to concentrate on fulfilling his duties without the distraction of false and unjustified allegations."

Peters would only say a decision on Horan's future would be made "very, very soon".

But he once again refused to express confidence in his MP.

"You've heard me asked that question countless times, haven't you. Why ask it again?"

- © Fairfax NZ News

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