Key Takeaways:
- Senior National Minister Judith Collins has announced her retirement from politics and has been appointed President of the New Zealand Law Commission.
- Collins will remain an MP and continue to hold her portfolios until she moves to her new job in the middle of the year.
- Her resignation will not trigger a by-election for the Papakura electorate as it would be close enough to the general election.
- Collins is the current longest continuously serving female MP and has a reputation for toughness.
- She has been involved in several controversies throughout her career, including the Oravida scandal and the Dirty Politics saga.
Introduction to Judith Collins’ Retirement
Judith Collins, a senior National Minister, has announced her retirement from politics, marking the end of a long and eventful career. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that Collins had been appointed President of the New Zealand Law Commission, a role she will take up in the middle of the year. Collins will remain an MP and continue to hold her portfolios until she transitions to her new job. Her resignation will not trigger a by-election for the Papakura electorate, as it would be too close to the general election.
Judith Collins’ Career Highlights
Collins is the current longest continuously serving female MP, with a career spanning over two decades. She was first elected in 2002 and has since become one of the most experienced politicians in the government. Collins has a reputation for toughness, which has earned her the nickname "crusher" Collins. She has held several portfolios, including Defence Minister, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister, and Minister for the spy agencies. Collins has been involved in several high-profile initiatives, including a huge increase in spending and bolstering the Defence Force’s equipment and property.
Controversies and Challenges
Collins is no stranger to controversy, having been involved in several high-profile scandals throughout her career. In 2014, she was embroiled in the Oravida scandal, in which she endorsed a company her husband was a director of. She also resigned her portfolios later that year after accusations she undermined the head of the Serious Fraud Office as Police Minister. Collins has also been involved in the Dirty Politics saga and has faced criticism for her handling of several issues, including the Manawanui sinking. Despite these challenges, Collins has shown resilience and has continued to serve as a effective minister.
Legacy and Reflections
As Collins looks back on her career, she reflected on the eight elections she has been through and joked about being the "mother of the House". She has also spoken about the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes. Collins has been praised for her ability to reform her image and become one of the government’s most effective ministers. Her appointment as President of the New Zealand Law Commission is seen as a natural next step in her career, and she is expected to bring her experience and expertise to the role.
Conclusion and Future Plans
Collins’ retirement from politics marks the end of an era, but she is not going quietly. Her appointment as President of the New Zealand Law Commission is a significant move, and she is expected to make a lasting impact in her new role. As she looks to the future, Collins is likely to remain a prominent figure in New Zealand politics, even if she is no longer an MP. Her legacy will be remembered for her toughness, resilience, and commitment to public service. With her new role, Collins will have the opportunity to continue making a difference in New Zealand, albeit in a different capacity.