Chris Carter

Wellington, June 15 NZPA - Labour MP Chris Carter was sent home to consider his political career today following a sullen response to being demoted and losing his foreign affairs portfolio.

Mr Carter attended a Labour caucus meeting this morning after his leader Phil Goff sanctioned him for misusing his taxpayer funded credit card when he was a minister.

Unlike the more humble Shane Jones and Mita Ririnui, also demoted for misspending, Mr Carter was terse with media today and has been reluctant to accept responsibility for his actions.

Mr Goff this afternoon told media he had sent Mr Carter home on leave.

He said Mr Carter was under stress, but had not handled the situation well. It was now up to him to consider whether he wanted a future with the party.

"I expect him to make a clear response which meets my expectations within 24 hours," he told reporters.