Brooke van Velden to not seek re-election

ACT Party Deputy Leader and MP for Tāmaki, Brooke van Velden, has today announced that she does not intend to seek re-election to Parliament in this year’s general election to allow her to explore opportunities in the private sector.

Brooke will continue to serve the people of Tāmaki as their Member of Parliament and undertake her work as Minister of Internal Affairs and for Workplace Relations and Safety for the rest of this term.

Expressions of interest to stand for ACT at the general election are currently open and the Party will select its Tāmaki candidate in late April. The Board will appoint a new Deputy Leader on recommendation from the Caucus before an announcement at the Party’s AGM on 21 June.

Brooke van Velden said:

“At the election this year, I will have spent nine years in public service; first working with David Seymour to help secure the passage of the End of Life Choice Act through Parliament, six years as Deputy Leader and Member of Parliament for ACT, and three years as a Government minister and electorate MP for Tāmaki.

“I have never wanted to be a career politician, and while I believe there are so many more years I could serve my community, I wish to explore the private sector too. At some point in the future, I would like to return to public service.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve our country in Government and represent the people of Tāmaki and the ACT Party, but I feel now is the right time for change.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who have made my political career possible. If you showed up to deliver letters in the rain, came to my campaign committee on dark winter evenings, or put my bright pink signs on your fence, thank you. Thank you to people who helped me in those ways and many others.

“I’d like to thank the voters who elected me twice, as the Deputy Leader of ACT and as the MP for Tamaki. Being the voice of your values in Parliament has been an honour and a privilege. To the ACT Party and the two caucuses I’ve served in, thank you for the trust you’ve invested in me and the support you’ve given me. Finally, to David Seymour, thank you for your leadership, encouragement and friendship.

“I am making this announcement today to ensure that ACT has the time to select a new candidate for the Tāmaki electorate and give that person sufficient time to campaign. I look forward to seeing who puts themselves forward and campaigning alongside the person the Party chooses to ensure that Tāmaki stays pink in November.”

David Seymour commented:

“This announcement is bitter sweet as one of our stars moves to brighten another sky. I’m losing a colleague, but keeping a friend. ACT is losing an MP, but keeping a supporter. I’m sad Brooke is not standing again, but I respect and understand her choice to start her next chapter.

“Brooke’s career is as close to perfect as a political career could ever be. By 34 she’s spent nine years on the Parliamentary Precinct racking up win after win. From our campaign together on Euthanasia, to her triumph in Tamaki, and her recent reforms of employment law, the Holidays Act, and Health and Safety Law, the constant in Brooke’s career has been tangible achievement.

“Brooke’s quiet determination and fierce intelligence has helped build the modern ACT Party. She found a party with one MP and 0.5 per cent support, in nine years she has been central to making ACT a driving force at the centre of Government. Our whole caucus wishes her well for her next chapter.

“Winning Tamaki was a triumph.”

Question & Answers

Will there be a by-election in the Tāmaki electorate?

No, Brooke is committed to completing her term and serving the people of Tāmaki right up until the election in November. Brooke continues to encourage Tāmaki residents who need support with a local issue to get in touch with her electorate office who are always happy to help. Constituents can get in touch on mptamaki@parliament.govt.nz or by calling 09 574 1345.

Will Brooke remain in her roles as Minister of Internal Affairs and for Workplace Relations and Safety?

Yes, Brooke will continue working hard in her ministerial portfolios up until the election, making common sense changes for employers and employees alike and delivering significant improvements such as cutting passport and citizenship processing times at the Department of Internal Affairs.

Will Brooke remain Deputy Leader of ACT?

Brooke will remain as ACT’s Deputy Leader until the Party’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday, 21 June. At the AGM she will hand over to a new Deputy Leader who will form the Party’s new leadership team alongside David Seymour heading into the general election campaign. In the coming months, the caucus will make a recommendation to the Party’s Board on who should be appointed to this position.

Does ACT intend to campaign to retain the Tāmaki electorate?

Absolutely. Brooke has shown the people of Tāmaki what a strong local ACT MP standing up for their interests can deliver for local residents. Other ACT candidates have also received strong support in the Tāmaki area in recent years, with nearly three in five voters supporting at least one ACT Local candidate in last year’s Ōrākei Local Board elections that saw the election of Amanda Lockyer.

Who will be ACT’s candidate for Tāmaki in this year’s election?

Expressions of interest to stand as a candidate for ACT in the general election remain open and people interested in standing are encouraged to put themselves forward. The Board intends to hold a selection meeting in late April where candidates will be able to make their pitch to local Party members before a final decision on a candidate is made.

Will Brooke be involved in the general election campaign?

Yes, Brooke will continue to play an active role in this year’s general election campaign, supporting ACT’s candidate in the Tāmaki electorate and the party vote campaign around the country to make the case for keeping the government and making it better with a stronger contingent of ACT MPs.