Rainbow Labour's MP in Christchurch Central Tim Barnett says he will not stand for Parliament again at this year's general election. Tim Barnett MP Barnett announced last October that he would not stand for the Christchurch Central seat again, but now he reveals he has withdrawn from politics entirely. "When I announced my departure from Christchurch Central, I left open the possibility of a list nomination. Many have encouraged me to pursue that," he told the Christchurch Press. "However, there are exciting horizons for me beyond Parliament and I am keen to explore them." "I have represented Christchurch Central to the best of my ability," he said. British-born Barnett, 49, became involved in politics in the UK before emigrating to New Zealand in the early 1990s. The openly-gay MP helped to mould New Zealand's Civil Union legislation, chaired a significant Select Committee for six years, and led the world-leading decriminalisation of prostitution bill through parliament.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 23rd February 2008 - 11:02am