January 27, 2017 1:00pm by David Farrar

Goodhew retires

Stuff reports:

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew will not seek re-election, saying her time of “rising through the National ranks” is over.

Her announcement came on the heels of her demotion from her ministerial roles in Prime Minister Bill English’s Cabinet reshuffle in December.

The news means that, come election time, the Rangitata electorate will elect a new MP for the first time since 2005.

In a press release on Wednesday, Goodhew said she had taken the opportunity over the summer break to think about her future and had decided not to seek a fifth term.

“I have loved every minute I have been an MP. It’s been an interesting, challenging and fulfilling career but it’s now time for me to look at new opportunities.”

 

Sad to see Jo go – a very decent person. Has been a great MP for Rangitata.

The majority in Rangitata is 14,107 which makes it on paper a very safe seat. However still one worth keeping an eye on with Goodhew retiring. Her opponent last time was Steve Gibson who effectively got unendorsed by the Labour leadership for his anti-Semitic statements about John Key. The candidate this time is Jo Luxton, who seems far more sensible.