Speaker Trevor Mallard has officially resigned from Parliament.
Mallard’s resignation was effective immediately and he left the speaker’s chair at 1.45pm on Wednesday.
Mallard first announced his intention to resign back in June, when it was confirmed he was taking a diplomatic posting in Europe. This has now been confirmed as Ireland.
Member of Parliament Adrian Rurawhe, the MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, will become the new speaker.
Rurawhe will be formally elected the next speaker on Wednesday afternoon. Given Labour holds a majority, Rurawhe is sure to be given the job.
Mallard had a long career in politics, starting in 1984 as its MP for Hamilton West.
He held the Hutt South seat for more than 20 years, until moving to the Labour list at the 2017 election. He has been the Speaker since then.
