Don Brash accepts Nick Smith's resignation
Dr Don Brash MP National Party Leader
17 November 2003
Don Brash accepts Nick Smith's resignation
National Party Leader Dr Don Brash says he will accept Dr Nick Smith's decision to resign as Deputy Leader of the National Party.
"Dr Smith is one of the hardest working MPs in Parliament. He works tirelessly for Nelson and he has a track record that most MPs would envy.
"He's one of our star performers in the debating chamber and a passionate advocate for his Nelson constituents," Dr Brash says. "After consulting with members of the Caucus, I personally advised Dr Smith that standing down would be in his own personal best interests and the wider interests of the National Party.
"He has been an active member of the National Party since he was a teenager and we expect he'll continue making a huge contribution to the Parliamentary and Party team.
"Nick's a hard working politician. New Zealand needs more of them," says Dr Brash.
The appointment of a new Deputy Leader will be discussed at tomorrow's regular National Party Caucus meeting. Dr Brash will be making no further public comment on the issue until after that meeting.
Ends