Gosche quitting

Back in February, Mark Gosche announced he would step down as MP for Maungakiekie, but seek a List only nomination. I blogged at the time:

At this stage he says he will seek to go List only – but do not be surprised if, like Tim Barnett, he does not stand at all eventually.

This was confirmed yesterday with his news that he is quitting Parliament totally.

Gosche has had two personal tragedies – a seriously ill wife needing intensive care and the death of a son. I am sure everyone is wishing him well with his future challenges.

He was once talked about as a future Labour Party leader – not a helpful tag, but an indication of the respect he had. He was NZ’s first Pacific Island Cabinet Minister.