Coleman quitting politics
TVNZ reports:
National Party Northcote MP Jonathan Coleman is quitting politics.
It’s understood Mr Coleman said today he will step down and take on a new role as CEO of Acurity Health Group.
Mr Coleman was first elected in September of 2005 and is the current Health and Sport/Recreation spokesperson for National.
A great job for Jonathan Coleman. Acurity is one of our largest providers of private medical services including Bowen Hospital and Wakefield Hospital.
This will mean National needs a new Health Spokespersons. Simon O’Connor is a former Chair of the Health Select Committee and under-utilised so may be a logicial choice. You also have Shane Reti, who has a strong background in health. Or it might go to an existing senior MP.
National will also need a candidate for the by-election. The majority is 6,210 which is comfortable but it was held by Labour before Coleman won it in 2005.