Labour’s Andrew Little will not take up his list seat for the 54th Parliament and is quitting politics following the party's election defeat.
Little is perhaps most famous for stepping aside during the 2017 election campaign to allow deputy Jacinda Ardern to become leader of the Labour Party - an election the party ultimately went on to win.
It followed a shock interview on TVNZ shortly before where Little admitted he had considered standing down due to Labour's poor polling at the time.
He is also a former president of the Labour Party, a role currently held by Jill Day.
In a statement today, he said he was grateful for the opportunities his country and party had given him to serve the community.
“With the party going into opposition it’s important to give those who will form the Seventh Labour Government every opportunity to home their skills and cement a strong team.
“Labour stands for the fundamental values of millions of New Zealanders: a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, opportunities for the many not just the few, and respect for all people and communities.
“There are no words to adequately thank my wife and son, and the many others who have given unwavering support throughout my time in politics.
“The labour movement is bigger than any caucus or parliamentary term, and bigger than any individual,” he said.
Little expects to return to the law.
As Little is a list MP his resignation will not require a by-election and the next eligible person on the list will be elected.
After Labour's caucus meeting today, fellow Labour MP Grant Robertson said it was "really really sad", and Little was a "great colleague" and someone who had made a "massive contribution" as a minister.
Little had served as, among other roles, treaty negotiations, defence, immigration, public service, justice, health and workplace relations minister.
Robertson said many of Little's portfolios had been "very big and difficult ones".
"I'll be very sad to see him go ... we'll really miss him."
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