UPDATED 8.16PM: John Key has bid farewell to Parliament.

The former Prime Minister has delivered his valedictory speech this afternoon, closing the book on his political career.

MPs have been sharing their thoughts on his time at the Beehive.

Labour Leader Andrew Little said Mr Key can be disarmingly open at times, recounting a time they were both on the same plane at Rotorua.

"We couldn't help but have a conversation, so we had a conversation and as we relaxed into it, he started opening up about some of his colleagues, and at one point I had to say 'do you really think you should be saying this to me' and he said 'oh no probably not'."

However Mr Little's not divulging what Mr Key actually said saying he told him he'd not betray his confidence.

Meanwhile, another long term political ally of Mr Key is offering his thanks for the opportunities their relationship brought.

Maori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell's commending him for the relationship he built with the Maori Party that brought them into Government - something he said wasn't totally expected back in 2008.

Mr Flavell said when it happened it was out of the blue, having been three years in opposition.

Marama Fox said she met Mr Key at her first official leaders meeting.

"He shook my hand while looking away, he didn't know where to look, didn't look me in the eye, he said 'hello Marama how are you' and to be fair I had voted against him three times that day."

When asked if she'll miss Mr Key, Ms Fox said he probably left at a good time for him, as there are lots of new opportunities for the Maori Party under National's new leadership.

Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye said she'll miss former Prime Minister John Key on a personal level.

Ms Kaye said he was hugely supportive of her when she was diagnosed with cancer, and had to step aside from her responsibilities as Minister.

"Iv' e always loved his sense of humour. There's been some very difficult things that we've had to deal with and he's always been there, sometimes making us laugh in the middle of them."

ACT Party Leader David Seymour is also offering his praise for Mr Key saying his banter in Parliament was a lot of fun.

"He certainly had fun in his job every day and good on him."