Dunne under fire over crucial swing vote

One man is in the spotlight after one of the most controversial bills in our recent history was passed last night - United Future leader Peter Dunne.

The partial asset sales legislation passed by one vote, that of the United Future leader.

Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove says the issue will becomes a weeping sore for the Government, and those parties that supported it.

He's predicting voters will visit retribution on them come the 2014 election.

"Peter Dunne is a political cadaver over this issue as we speak. The walking, the crawling dead. The body bags will be out for that member as the man who gave this Government the power, the vote they need to sell out ordinary New Zealanders."

Labour MP David Clark says Mr Dunne has a lot to answer for.

"And I want to say that it's more than just a Dunne deal, it's a dunny deal. This is a deal which flushes a big chunk of New Zealand's economic sovereignty down the toilet. This is a dunny deal for New Zealanders."

Mr Dunne has defended himself, saying he voted for the legislation in the best interests of the country.

Photo: Getty Images