HTB

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 Tāmaki was a triumph.”

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