National Party responds to Prime Minister’s resignation
New Zealand National Party
Media Release
5
December 2016
National Party responds to Prime Minister’s resignation
John Key’s legacy will be as one of the greatest leaders this country and the National Party has ever seen, National Party President Peter Goodfellow says.
“On behalf of the whole National Party, I’d like to thank John for the massive contribution he has made to both the Party and the country.
“His leadership of National has been exceptional and he leaves an amazing legacy of a country that is now the envy of many others in the world,” Mr Goodfellow says.
“National is also stronger because of his leadership. We have the largest membership of any political party in New Zealand and we are regarded as the strongest, most well-organised centre-right party in the developed world.
“We have an incredibly talented team in the National Party Caucus, with a wealth of talent and experience.”
“This depth is in large part due to John’s continual focus on renewal and recognising and rewarding talent. I have no doubt John is leaving us in excellent shape to contest and win the 2017 General Election.
“The Board and I totally respect the decision that John has made and the reasons behind it. I’d like to thank Bronagh, Stephie and Max for the selfless way they have shared their husband and father with the Party and with the country during his political career, which spans 14 years.
“There is now a process to go through to select a new Leader and Deputy Leader, which will occur at a Special Caucus meeting in Wellington next Monday, and there will be an orderly transition to the new leadership team.”
“On a personal note, both my wife Desley and I have appreciated John’s generous friendship and we will miss working alongside him and Bronagh. We wish them all the best.”
ENDS