Release: Andrew Little to retire from politics

“I’m grateful for the opportunities my country and party have given me to serve the community,” Andrew Little said.

“With the party going into opposition it’s important to give those who will form the Seventh Labour Government every opportunity to hone their skills and cement a strong team.

“Labour stands for the fundamental values of millions of New Zealanders: a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, opportunities for the many not just the few, and respect for all people and communities.

“There are no words to adequately thank my wife and son, and the many others who have given unwavering support throughout my time in politics.

“The labour movement is bigger than any caucus or parliamentary term, and bigger than any individual,” Andrew Little said.

Andrew Little expects to return to the law.

As Andrew Little is a List MP his resignation will not require a by-election and the next eligible person on the 2023 Labour Party List will be elected.

Andrew Little’s political career:

Ministerial and Government roles

• Minister of Defence, 1 February 2023 to present (caretaker)
• Minister for the Public Service, 1 February 2023 to present (caretaker)
• Minister of Immigration, 21 June 2023 to present (caretaker)
• Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques, 9 December 2020 to present (caretaker)
• Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, 26 October 2017 to present (caretaker)
• Minister Responsible for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, 26 October 2017 to present (caretaker)
• Minister Responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau, 26 October 2017 to present (caretaker)
• Member of the Executive Council, 26 October 2017 to present (caretaker)
• Minister of Health, 6 November 2020 to 1 February 2023
• Minister Responsible for Pike River Re-entry, 26 October 2017 to 1 February 2023
• Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, 22 July 2020 to 6 November 2020
• Minister of Justice, 26 October 2017 to 6 November 2020
• Minister for Courts, 26 October 2017 to 6 November 2020

Parliamentary roles

• List Member of Parliament for the New Zealand Labour Party, 26 November 2011 to present
• Member of the Intelligence and Security Committee, 18 November 2014 to 1 August 2017 as Leader of the Opposition, 1 February 2018 to conclusion of the 52nd New Zealand Parliament as elected by the House of Representatives, 18 February 2021 to present as elected by the House of Representatives
• 35th Leader of the Opposition, 18 November 2014 to 1 August 2017

Political party roles

• 16th Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, 18 November 2014 to 1 August 2017
• President of the New Zealand Labour Party, 2 March 2009 to 2 April 2011