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Former National Party leader Todd Muller to retire

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Wed, 23 Jun 2021, 10:34AM
Todd Muller (Photo / George Novak)
Todd Muller (Photo / George Novak)

Former National Party leader Todd Muller to retire

Author
NZ Herald ,
Publish Date
Wed, 23 Jun 2021, 10:34AM

Former National Party leader Todd Muller has announced that he will retire at the next election.

Muller said this morning he had decided to step down after nine years as the Member of Parliament for the Bay of Plenty.

"This has been a difficult decision because being a Member of Parliament is a huge privilege, but it does come at a cost," Muller said.

"I have decided that I need to prioritise my health and family and move onto the next chapter of my life."

Muller said by announcing today he hoped to give the National Party and local branches "ample time to find their next candidate".

"The National Party needs to take the opportunity this term to renew and refresh, with strong new candidates lining up for the next election.

"The highlight of my role is undoubtedly serving my local community.

"I particularly enjoy working with my various local communities from Papamoa to Omokoroa ... I can assure them all I won't stop advocating for mental health facilities, after hours A&E and roads for my remaining time as their MP.

"At a national level I am very proud of the work I did with James Shaw in creating bi-partisan support for climate action and achieving cross party support for the Zero Carbon Act.

"I look forward to working out my term with the National team. In the meantime, I am on pre-approved leave for the next five weeks, to care for my wife who is undergoing a significant medical procedure. I will return to Parliament after the winter recess."

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