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Bob Clarkson to step down at election

Friday 9 May 2008, 11:11AM

By New Zealand National Party

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TAURANGA

National Party MP Bob Clarkson today announced he will not now be standing as a candidate for the Tauranga seat in the 2008 general election.

"I stepped right out of my comfort zone when trying to help National win in 2005 and have watched on in horror at the Labour Government's wastefulness and poor decision-making during my three years in Parliament," says Mr Clarkson.

"I can see that National will win in 2008. It has a very strong team to take the country forward and I am happy to make room for a younger candidate to represent Tauranga in Government.

"I will leave Parliament at the end of this term knowing I have given good ideas to the party for the leaky homes problem, as well as practical solutions for the challenges facing first-home buyers.

"This decision has not been taken lightly and I have taken considerable time to weigh up all my options.

"I am 100% committed to the New Zealand National Party and leader John Key, and I will make sure we hold the seat of Tauranga in the 2008 election.

"I will support the new candidate to be selected and will maintain my role as Member of Parliament for Tauranga, along with the associated duties that entails, until the election." 

National determined to win Tauranga 

National Party Leader John Key says National wants to win Tauranga at the next election and is moving swiftly to select a replacement candidate following Bob Clarkson's decision to step down at the election.

"Bob did an outstanding job winning Tauranga against the odds at the last election, and I want National to retain the seat later this year and improve on Bob's majority.

"Accordingly, the party will be moving as quickly as possible to re-open nominations for the seat and select a candidate.

"I would like to publicly thank Bob for his contribution to National during this term, and I wish him well for the future.

"Make no mistake, National will be mounting a strong fight to retain the seat and ensure the Tauranga electorate continues to have a strong National voice in the next Parliament.

"I know that the local party organisation will be working as hard as possible to make sure that happens."