The date for the Hamilton West by-election is officially confirmed to be December 10th, according to a statement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The by-election was triggered by Gaurav Sharma's abrupt resignation earlier in the week, and deputy political editor Jason Walls has observed that Labour isn't loving their chances. 

Jason Walls also explained why Labour might have felt the need to soften the blow and deflect ahead of the election.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Former Labour Party MP Gaurav Sharma quits Parliament
• Labour MP Gaurav Sharma unleashes fresh allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds and incompetent staff