Key to leave Parliament

The Herald reports:

Former Prime Minister John Key is leaving Parliament at the earliest opportunity possible – next week.

He is due to give his last speech in Parliament next Wednesday.

He resigned suddenly in December last year but said he would stay on in Parliament long enough not to trigger a byelection – which usually costs about $1 million.

A byelection in his Helensville seat can be avoided if the resignation is within six months of a general election.

Next Thursday, March 23, is six months from the general election on September 23.

His valedictory speech will be very interesting. I’m looking forward to it. He will formally leave Parliament on 14 April.