It has been my privilege to serve you
By now you’ve probably heard that today I announced my resignation as Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party.
Good afternoon
By now you’ve probably heard that today I announced my resignation as Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party.
This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make but for me this feels the right time to go.
Throughout my 14 years in Parliament, including eight years as Prime Minister, I have given everything I could to this job that I cherish, and this country that I love.
It is my expectation that next Monday (12 December), National MPs will hold a special caucus meeting to select a new leader and later that day I will tender my resignation to the Governor-General.
The National Party is in great shape and I absolutely believe we can win the next election.
Announcing my resignation today gives the Cabinet and National Caucus plenty of time to settle in with a new leader before heading into the next election with a proud record of strong economic management, a commitment to the most vulnerable in our society and lots of ideas to keep lifting New Zealanders up in the world.
It has been my privilege to serve you all.
Watch my video about my resignation here, or read my full statement here.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Rt
Hon John Key
Prime
Minister