Pillay retiring in 2011
Labour List MP Lynne Pillay has announced she is retiring in 2011. She was MP for Waitakere from 2002 to 2008.
Lynne used to chair the Justice and Electoral Select Committee, and I found her very professional when I made submissions on various issues.
It is interesting that she is announcing her retirement now, yet not retiring until 2011. In the past List MPs have retired mid-term. What we are seeing is the Tizard effect – Phil Goff’s compulsive fear of having Judith (who is next on the list) back in his caucus.
Incidentally I approve of not retiring mid-term (unless a former leader). I think MPs should stay for an entire term, if elected.
This raises the issue of which other Labour MPs may retire in 2011. My thoughts are:
- Parekura Horomia – probable
- Ruth Dyson – possible
- Chris Carter – probable
- Lianne Dalziel – possible
- Pete Hodgson – probable
- Sue Moroney – possible
- Rick Barker – probable
- Ross Robertson – possible
- George Hawkins – probable – but only if he wants to
- Darien Fenton – possible
- Rajen Prasad – possible
- Ashraf Choudary – probable
On current polls, Labour may get fewer MPs in 2011 than in 2008. They will want to protect their new intake, and get some fresh faces in. Their list ranking process will be interesting.