Coleman calls time on politics

National MP and former health minister Jonathan Coleman has called time on Parliament, sparking a by-election in his Auckland seat.

The MP for the safe National seat of Northcote announced yesterday that he would be taking up the role of chief executive of private sector health company Acurity, which owns Bowen, Royston and Wakefield private hospitals.

‘‘It was a pretty tough decision. I thought about it long and hard. But in the end, it’s a personal decision that I’ve made in terms of looking to the next phase of my career and what is going to be best for my family.’’

His resignation comes just a few weeks after his colleague, Steven Joyce, also called time on his political career.

Coleman came into Parliament in 2005 and, under the National-led government, held ministerial portfolios including state services, defence and sport and recreation. In 2014, he became the first doctor in 70 years to hold the health portfolio.

‘‘It’s been a huge privilege to serve as a Member of Parliament for the past 13 years, nine of them as a Cabinet minister. I have greatly enjoyed my time as a Member of Parliament, and am proud of the work I’ve been involved in, both as a minister and as the MP for Northcote.

‘‘I especially wish to thank the people of the Northcote electorate for their support over those years,’’ he said.

‘‘I was not looking to leave Parliament, but received an unsolicited approach from Acurity. It’s a very exciting opportunity that utilises my skills and draws on my background both outside and inside Parliament.’’

He said he informed party leader Simon Bridges of his decision on Tuesday, but the pair had not discussed any potential replacements for him in the health portfolio.

Coleman holds a 6200-vote majority in the Northcote electorate and said National was ‘‘well placed’’ to retain it in a by-election.

He said his political career had given him opportunities he had been ‘‘incredibly grateful’’ for, but

"It is clear to me that it is the right time to embrace this unique offer as I look to a future beyond politics." Jonathan Coleman

it was time bow out.

‘‘It is clear to me that it is the right time to embrace this unique offer as I look to a future beyond politics.’’

Bridges thanked Coleman for ‘‘many years of dedication and service’’.

‘‘He has been a diligent and committed colleague who has handled a range of challenging portfolios with a focus on getting results,’’ he said.

Coleman had a chequered record in the health portfolio; during his three years in the role he faced intense pressure over healthcare funding and staff shortages.

But he also oversaw the implementation of the New Zealand Health Strategy, and the signing of an historic equal pay agreement with union champion Kristine Bartlett that gave pay equity to about 55,000 of her lowpaid, mainly female colleagues in the aged care sector.

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