Kirk confirms retirement

National Party President Judy Kirk has confirmed she will retire at National’s Annual Conference in August:

National Party President Judy Kirk has today confirmed she will step down from the position of President at the National Party’s Annual Conference in August.

“The Party is in great shape and well positioned for the future,” says Mrs Kirk.

“When I was elected President in 2002 the Party was facing very challenging times. But with the success at the 2008 General Election, I feel I have met all of my objectives in the role and that it is an appropriate time for me to step aside.

“I am very proud of my time as President and all that the Party has achieved over the last seven years, culminating in the election of the John Key National-led Government last November. I am absolutely confident that our Prime Minister and his cabinet will do a tremendous job for New Zealand.

Judy’s departure from office will be in stark contrast to Mike Williams, whose antics damaged Labour so badly during the campaign. As I blogged at the weekend:

Judy took over in 2002, and it has been a most sucessful six years under her presidency. The party vote has gone from 21% to 45%, but also the membership has soared to what I think is an 18 year high. Judy is well known for always stressing the importance of the party vote, and of members.

Judy’s six to seven years as President is the longest any President has served since I joined in 1986.