Thank You Richard Prebble

Tuesday 27 Apr 2004 Catherine Judd,

President ACT New Zealand Press Releases

"It is with great sadness that I will be informing the members of ACT New Zealand that Hon Richard Prebble CBE has decided to resign as leader of ACT New Zealand.

"Replacing twenty seven years of parliamentary and ministerial experience will be a huge undertaking. Despite Richard's image as the `hardman' of New Zealand politics, his experience and ability is second to none.

"ACT is unlikely to ever have another leader with the wide range of attributes and abilities that he possesses. He successfully led this Party into Parliament against the odds in the first MMP election in 1996, and again in 1999 and 2002.

"I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Richard Prebble for everything he has done for the Party.

"It is my personal view that Richard has the support of the majority of members and they will be saddened and disappointed by his decision. I know that they wish him well and hope that he stays on in Parliament to serve in a Don Brash led cabinet after the next election.

"The Caucus has asked the Party to conduct a consultative process of the membership to help determine the next leader of ACT. Further details and a timetable for this process will be developed by the Board of Trustees. I have told the Caucus that the Party supports an open and transparent process during the leadership selection and will do everything possible to ensure a fair contest.

"ACT's challenge in replacing Richard is a big one. No third party has successfully changed leaders since the MMP referendum in 1993" said Ms Judd.

ENDS

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