Stuart Nash has given up his police portfolio after the backlash over his revelation he'd once phoned the Police Commissioner over a court decision.

Nash made the admission on Newstalk ZB this morning, saying he'd asked the Commissioner if a particular court judgment would be appealed.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says contacting the Police Commissioner was inappropriate, as was Nash's defence of his actions today. 

He says it's important to safeguard the independence of the police, and the courts, and not criticise individual decisions.

Political Editor, Jason Walls told Simon Barnett and James Daniels Hipkins made it clear that if Nash hadn't resigned, he would've been sacked.

LISTEN ABOVE