Speaker won't stand for re-election in Rodney

Speaker Lockwood Smith. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Speaker Lockwood Smith has announced he will not stand for re-election in the Rodney electorate next year.

Dr Smith has been the MP for Rodney, previously known as Kaipara, since 1984.

He said he would not seek re-election in the electorate but would stand in the general election next year as a National Party list member.

"I will continue to help my constituents and push the major roading projects in the electorate, but as Speaker I have found it to be a little more difficult to be involved in political debate," he said in a statement.

"I feel that no matter what the future may hold for me the people of Rodney will be able to select a new member better able to voice their views in wider political debate."

Dr Smith, who has held several ministerial portfolios in the past, runs a beef farm in Northland.

- NZPA