Media Statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 10 August, 2004

Former MP Reeves new United Future President

Former Miramar MP Graeme Reeves is the new President of United Future.

Mr Reeves, a Wellington lawyer, was the sole nominee by today's 5pm deadline and will replace Mark Blumsky who resigned on Friday to consider career options that would require him to relinquish all political affiliations.

Mr Reeves, a board member and United Future's Secretary-Treasurer since December 2002, said he was delighted to have the opportunity to take the helm, and was looking forward to building on the good work done by Mr Blumsky.

"The party is in fine shape and growing, and this is a hugely exciting time for us all as United Future continues to bring common sense and stability to New Zealand politics.

"There is a wonderful challenge ahead in continuing to build the centrist vote," Mr Reeves said.

Party leader Peter Dunne said he looked forward to working closely with Mr Reeves, and recognised the skills he brought to the job. He also saluted Mr Blumsky's contribution to United Future as a board member and President.

"We're very sorry to see Mark go, but he has a couple of job offers that simply would not allow him to retain any political links. While we accepted his resignation with some reluctance, we understand his decision completely," Mr Dunne said.

Mr Blumsky said he wished the party well for the future and continued to believe that it has a huge contribution to make to New Zealand.

"I have decided to take up a new career opportunity, and I leave with considerable regret.

"United Future is a party of the future. The foundations have been well laid. The job is before it, but already it must be acknowledged that this is the party that has made and is making MMP work, where all others have previously failed," Mr Blumsky said.

Ends.

© Scoop Media