ACT MP Nicole McKee, Minister for Courts and the Associate Minister of Justice, is the party's new deputy leader.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Auckland at the ACT Party's Annual General Meeting and rally.
McKee takes over from Brooke van Velden, who announced in March she wouldn't be standing in November's election.
Speaking at the rally, McKee said: “I have to admit, I never saw myself becoming deputy leader of a political party.”
“In fairness, I never really saw myself becoming a politician. When I gave my maiden speech, I said maybe this was my mid-life crisis. Now I’m a Cabinet Minister and deputy leader of the only party that has the courage and the principles to unlock New Zealand’s potential.”
McKee thanked her caucus colleagues for their trust and confidence in her and acknowledged van Velden.
“Brooke has done an exceptional job as our Deputy Leader for six years. She has served this party, our Government, and New Zealand with intelligence, modesty, courage, and kindness.”
“We will miss her dearly when she leaves later this year, and I am very grateful she is staying long enough to help teach me the ropes,” McKee said.
In a separate statement, McKee said: “New Zealanders have made real sacrifices over the years."
"Families, workers, and small businesses have carried the cost of bad decisions, wasteful spending, and red tape that makes it harder to get ahead. I'll never forget that I'm in this role to be their advocate, fix what matters, and deliver better value for the people who pay the bills."
“New Zealand is worth fighting for. I am excited to support David Seymour and our Caucus as we continue campaigning to unlock New Zealand’s potential.”
ACT leader David Seymour said McKee was the perfect choice for deputy leader.
“As a party leader you're only as good as the people around you. I'm grateful for Brooke van Velden's support over the past six years and thrilled to have someone of Nicole's calibre stepping into the role.”
He said McKee was “straight-talking, principled, and practical”.
“She is a breath of fresh air in Parliament and has never forgotten who she is here to represent.”
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