Former National Party leader Simon Bridges has announced that he is retiring from Parliament.
He was leader of the National Party and opposition from February 2018 to May 2020.
In a statement, Bridges said he is excited about the future and exploring commercial opportunities, and wants to spend more time with his young family.
“It’s been a privilege to be MP for Tauranga since 2008, a senior Minister and Leader of the Opposition. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, but it’s time,” Bridges said.
Chris Luxon has thanked Bridges for his contribution to building a better New Zealand. Recently, Bridges has been the Opposition Finance Spokesperson.
The process to select a candidate to stand for National in the Tauranga by-election will begin in the coming weeks.
