19 October 2005

Senior Government Whip Steps Down

On election night I said the Labour team would fight to regain the Whanganui electorate for Labour. I intend to help lead the fightback and I will not be continuing as Senior Government Whip in the new Labour-led government, MP Jill Pettis said.

Jill Pettis said Senior Government Whip is a demanding and time consuming position, made even more difficult in an MMP Parliament. When I met with the Prime Minister after the election I advised her I did not want to continue in my role as Senior Government Whip.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the many facets of the job but I want to concentrate my efforts on winning back Whanganui. The Whips role required me to be in Wellington more frequently and I am looking forward to spending additional time in the Whanganui electorate.

Provincial New Zealand has prospered under a Labour-led government. I want to see that prosperity continue to benefit all of the people who live in the electorate. With my advocacy the Whanganui electorate has benefited from millions of dollars of government investment.

I am proud of my involvement in bringing the new hospital and Heartland Centre to Hawera, the multi-million dollar investment in roading following the 2004 floods, the $40 million invested in UCOL polytechnic, and the River Road sealing project. The electorate’s economy is booming and I want to continue to play a role in making sure that the electorate and its people continues to do well, Jill Pettis said.

The Whanganui electorate has prospered because Labour has worked in partnership with the key organisations in the electorate. National in Opposition can’t deliver anything for Whanganui. My focus will be on winning for Whanganui.

ENDS

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