Labour's being accused of backpedaling from a controversial Rotorua District Council Bill

MP Tamati Coffey sponsored the local bill, which would allow an equal number of Maori ward and general ward seats in Rotorua.

But it's been paused, since a report from Attorney-General David Parker warning it breaches the Bill of Rights.

Coffey now says Labour won't back the bill in its current form.

National justice spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says the speeches Labour MPs made at the bill's first reading, were in full support.

He says Labour expected this approach to be extended to other councils - but they've been caught out.