Hon Dr Nick Smith MP National Party Deputy Leader

17 November 2003

Nick Smith Resigns With Regret

National Party Deputy Leader Dr Nick Smith today announced he had tendered his resignation to National Party Leader Dr Don Brash this afternoon.

"It is with regret that I resign but I have been forced into this position. Gerry Brownlee advised me this afternoon he would be challenging me for the Deputy Leadership at tomorrow's weekly National Party Caucus meeting.

"The Leader has advised me that he supports Mr Brownlee. My position is untenable. The honourable thing to do is resign," Dr Smith says.

"I was elected Deputy Leader with the encouragement of Dr Brash and the support of a majority of Caucus after a bitter leadership struggle.

"I took two weeks' break because I was exhausted. I am very disappointed that during this period a campaign to oust me was conducted in the media while I was under the Leader's instructions to make no comment. Many of the reported statements concerning myself are incorrect.

"I remain very loyal to my Nelson constituents and the National Party."

Dr Smith says he will be attending the National Party Caucus meeting tomorrow and Parliament this week.

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