Claudette Hauiti UPDATED: Lesbian MP Claudette Hauiti says leaving Parliament has been a difficult decision, but will make no further comment. She's released a brief statement, saying she won't stand for any other political party. The MP will not stand at the forthcoming September 20th general election, where she was to vie for the new Kelston seat. She is reported to have been facing a low list ranking, while Kelston was considered to be a safe Labour seat. Hauiti, a list MP who last year replaced the disgraced Aaron Gilmore, herself came under fire, initially for employing her wife for parliamentary work, against parliamentary rules, and recently for using her parliamentary credit card for personal travel to Australia. There are reports a phone call directly from Prime Minister John Key last night preceded today's announcement. Hauiti is one of only two openly-gay MPs in the National-led government. She was due to represent National at Rainbow Wellington's political forum next week. Party President Peter Goodfellow has thanked the Aucklander for her contribution. "Entering Parliament mid-way through a term cannot be easy and I wish her all the best for her future." Via Patrick Gower / Twitter
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 22nd July 2014 - 12:03pm