Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has referred text messages linked to a former member of his parliamentary team to the corruption watchdog.
Member for Blain Mark Turner was sacked on Thursday as the Labor party's deputy Speaker and caucus chair, with Mr Gunner saying the former policeman had lied about an inappropriate relationship.
Mr Gunner said he had since received text messages allegedly between Mr Turner and a private citizen, which have been the subject of local media reports alleging party members were involved in a "cocaine sex scandal".
"I have subsequently provided these text messages to the (NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption ) for their review," Mr Gunner said in a statement late on Sunday.
"I will also be formally writing to the NT Labor Party and recommending that they review the Member for Blain's party status."
It comes after Mr Turner on Wednesday denied allegations he had engaged in any illegal activity as alleged in the media reports.
However, he told parliament he was involved in an inappropriate consensual relationship with a woman.
In response to that admission, Mr Gunner said the 37-year-old had lost his trust.
"I don't believe that the Member for Blain was completely forthcoming with me or his colleagues about the extent of his friendship with the private citizen," Mr Gunner said on Thursday, referring to discussions he had with Mr Turner earlier in the week.
Mr Gunner said it had come to the party's attention that Mr Turner "continues to act dishonestly" about his relationships and interactions with others.
"He has lost the trust of the caucus. He is no longer a member of Labor's parliamentary team."
