Labour’s Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb has announced he will retire from Parliament at next year’s election after three terms.
Webb, who served as a minister in the former Labour government under Chris Hipkins, said taking time off before doing “something else”. The MP has been Labour’s spokesperson for justice, regulation and the Natural Hazards Commission.
“I’ve decided I am going to take a break and then do something else,” he said.
“I want to spend more time adventuring, exploring nature, hiking, skiing and mountain biking with my partner and now-adult sons. After that, I’ll see what’s out there, but I believe I have another exciting career in me yet.”
Webb assured constituents he would continue working at full capacity until the election.
“I won’t be slowing down before the election. I am still here to help,” he said.
The MP added he “put a lot of thought into this decision”.
“I particularly love the justice portfolio and would like to thank Labour leader Chris Hipkins for putting his trust in me to do it, as well as my Labour caucus colleagues who are a fantastic bunch to work the relentless days and long nights with.”
Webb won his Christchurch Central seat in 2017 off then-National minister Nicky Wagner.
During Hipkins’ tenure leading the country, Webb held the ministerial portfolios of commerce and consumer affairs and state-owned enterprises.
The MP was also a senior party whip in 2022.
The date for next year’s general election has yet to be announced, although it must be held by December 19, 2026.
