National Party Finance spokesperson and former Leader, Simon Bridges, has announced he is retiring from politics and will leave Parliament in coming weeks.
He said the decision was completely personal - he has been in politics for 14 years, has three children under 10 and would like to explore “commercial opportunities” and “possibly a media project or two”.
Bridges was Leader of the National Party and Opposition between February 2018 and May 2020, when he was ousted by Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye.
After taking a backseat in the party and writing a book, a rejuvenated and ambitious Bridges in November 2021 had another crack at the leadership. The then-leader Judith Collins was voted out for the way she went about trying to demote him by pulling him up for making a crude comment some years ago.
However, Bridges lost the race to political newbie, Christopher Luxon.
Luxon subsequently gave the Tauranga MP and former Cabinet minister one of the most senior roles - Finance.
Bridges said it wouldn’t be fair for him to hold on to the high-profile portfolio until the 2023 election, only to leave.
Speaking to media about his resignation, a slightly emotional Bridges said there was never a “perfect” time to leave, but now is a good time given National has some “wind in its sails”.
“I am proud to have played a significant role recently in getting National back in the hunt for government in 2023. I have every confidence in National to win the election,” he said.
Both Bridges and Luxon confirmed there wasn’t some sort of scandal underpinning the retirement.
His departure will spark a by-election in Tauranga - a seat NZ First Leader Winston Peters may be eyeing.
Bridges said Tauranga had evolved since Peters held the seat, and believed it would be a blue-red battle.
Luxon will announce the party’s new Finance spokesperson on Wednesday.
Bridges said he would formally hand in his resignation to the Speaker of the House in coming weeks.
“I love the National Party and this year I will have been a proud member for 30 years. For the first time in a while, National is in a good place under Chris Luxon’s leadership with momentum heading into the next election,” Bridges said.
“More important to me than being a politician or a businessman, I’m a partner to Natalie and dad to Emlyn, Harry, and Jemima. This week my oldest two children turn 10 and 8 years old, and I want to be able to give them the best of me.”
Luxon said, “Simon has been an absolute champion for Tauranga, for New Zealanders and for the National Party over his 14-year career in Parliament. He was an excellent local MP, Minister, Leader of the National Party and colleague.
“As a Minister, Simon held portfolios focusing on the economy, infrastructure, transport, broadband and the Government’s finances.
“As Transport Minister, Simon relentlessly pushed for upgrades to core infrastructure to drive productivity and help Kiwis get from A to B faster and safer. New Zealanders have Simon to thank for many of our improved state highways, which will be part of his lasting legacy.
“Recently, Simon has been the Opposition Finance spokesperson, where he has been holding Labour to account for a cost of living crisis that is taking Kiwis backwards.
“Most importantly for me, since I became Leader Simon has been a trusted advisor and confidant. I am going to personally miss his contribution to the National Party caucus."
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