Fitzsimons tipped to go

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is expected to relinquish the post tomorrow.

The party has called a press conference at which Ms Fitzsimons will "discuss her co-leadership of the Green Party and respond to current media speculation on the topic".

Ms Fitzsimons has previously said she will retire from politics at the next election.

Standing down as co-leader with nearly three years until the next election would give her replacement a chance to settle into the position and raise their profile.

Fellow co-leader Russel Norman has held the position for nearly three years, following the sudden death of Rod Donald in late 2005.

Party rules dictate that the co-leaders must be a man and a woman, with Metiria Turei tipped to step up to the top job. Sue Bradford is also a possibility.

The party refused to comment today.

- NZPA