The Greens’ Senator Scott Ludlam has announced his resignation from parliament after discovering he holds dual citizenship of both Australian and New Zealand.

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The Western Australian senator made the shock announcement at WA’s parliament house this afternoon, and later posted a statement explaining his decision.

“Recently it was brought to my attention that I hold dual citizenship of Australia and New Zealand. Under Section 44 of the Australian constitution I am therefore ineligible to hold elected office in the Federal Parliament.

“I apologise unreservedly for this mistake. This was my error, something I should have checked when I first nominated for preselection in 2006.

“I have no wish to draw out the uncertainty or create a lengthy legal dispute, particularly when the Constitution is so clear. I am resigning as Senator for Western Australia and Co-Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, effective today.” Senator Ludlam said.

Senator Ludlam said he was devastated to make the discovery.

“I was born in Palmerston North New Zealand, left the country with my family when I was three years old, and settled in Australia not long before my ninth birthday. I was naturalised when I was in my mid-teens and assumed that was the end of my New Zealand citizenship.” Senator Ludlam said.

Ludlum was first elected to federal parliament at the 2007 election, and took up his role in August 2008.

At the 2013 election it looked as if Ludlam has lost his seat, but the senate election was declared invalid after it was revealed that some ballots had been misplaced. Ludlam comfortably retained his seat at the senate re-run election, and was elected once again at the 2016 election.

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