Brian Connell quits

Pleased to hear Brian Connell has gained a job. He is quitting Parliament on 31 August to take it up. This is the right thing to do, unlike Steve Maharey who has been dividing his time between being an MP and being the Vice-Chancellor of Massey University.

The Herald is right that no by-election is necessary, as it is within six months of the general election. However that is not automatic – under s131 of the Electoral Act, Parliament has to resolve not to have a writ issued for the by-election by at least a 75% majority. This will happen of course – maybe even today.