Stuart Nash has blasted National MP Katie Nimon, claiming she took nine months leave after giving birth - and is the 'laziest MP' he's ever come across.

Nash made the claim in a text to former MP Chris Finlayson, who shared it on his podcast. 

Nimon, who's facing Nash in the Napier electorate this election, says she only took six months away from Parliament, and continued working full time in her electorate. 

Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says Nash's comments have sparked backlash, with Prime Minister Chris Luxon labelling the comments 'sexist'.

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