Radio New Zealand
Wellington, March 22, 2018
Senior National Party MP for Northcote Dr Jonathan Coleman is quitting politics.
The former Health Minister has announced that he is stepping down to take up a role as Chief Executive of the private hospital owner, Acurity Health Group.
He is the third senior National Party MP to quit in recent months.
Unsolicited Appointment
His announcement follows the recent departures of Bill English and Steven Joyce.
“I was not looking to leave Parliament but received an unsolicited approach from Acurity. It is a very exciting opportunity that utilises my skills and draws on my background both outside and inside Parliament,” Dr Coleman said.
By-Election in Northcote
Dr Coleman’s departure means there will be a by-election in his Auckland seat.
A date for his resignation will be confirmed in the next few days.
National Party leader Simon Bridges thanked Dr Coleman for his “many years of dedication and service to the National Party and New Zealand” and wished him and his family all the best.
Leader’s praise
“Jonathan has had a long and distinguished career in politics, including 13 years as MP for Northcote and nine as a Minister,” he said.
Mr Bridges said that he had been a “diligent and committed colleague” who handled a range of challenging portfolios”.
Dr Coleman held a range of portfolios under governments led by both John Key and Bill English, including Health, Defence, Immigration and State Services.
He won the Northcote seat in 2005 and which he retained in the 2017 election with a majority of more than 6,000 seats.
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RNZ Picture of Jonathan Coleman by Rebekah Parsons-King
