Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni is being stood down from the Social Development portfolio, after revelations her mother is facing charges of benefit fraud.

Beverly Sepuloni is due in the New Plymouth District Court tomorrow, over accusations of accessing rent and disability subsidies she wasn't entitled to, and not telling welfare officials she was living with her partner.

Labour leader Andrew Little says Carmel Sepuloni is only being stood down temporarily, while the legal issues are dealt with.

He says she's not responsible for the actions of her mother, and didn't know about the charges until she was told by a reporter today .. but it's still a conflict of interest at the present time.