National's Northcote MP and former health minister Jonathan Coleman has quit politics.
Coleman announced today that he is stepping down from politics to take up a new role in the private sector as chief executive of Acurity Health Group.
His resignation will trigger a by-election in the Northcote electorate.
Coleman put his hand up for the National Party leadership after Sir John Key resigned in 2016, but he withdrew when it became clear that Bill English had a majority support.
He was expected to put his hand up again after English resigned earlier this year, but decided against it after five other MPs stepped forward.
"I was not looking to leave Parliament, but received an unsolicited approach from Acurity. "It is clear to me that it is the right time to embrace this unique offer as I look to a future beyond politics," Coleman said.
"It's been a huge privilege to serve as a Member of Parliament for the past 13 years, nine of them as a Cabinet Minister. I have greatly enjoyed my time as a Member of Parliament, and am proud of the work I've been involved in, both as a Minister and as the MP for Northcote.
"I especially wish to thank the people of the Northcote electorate for their support over those years."
Coleman was Health Minister before National lost last year's general election. He is the third senior MP from the party to leave in recent weeks, following English and Steven Joyce's decision to quit politics.
National leader Simon Bridges thanked Coleman for his many years of dedication and service to the party and New Zealand.
"He has been a diligent and committed colleague who has handled a range of challenging portfolios with a focus on getting results. My colleagues and I wish Jonathan and his family the very best for this new phase of their lives."
Bridges highlighted Coleman's ministerial achievements.
"As Immigration Minister he focussed policy on importing skills and capital while fundamentally reconfiguring the immigration network.
"As State Services Minister he oversaw legislation that implemented the biggest changes to public service operation in a generation.
"During his time as Defence Minister, New Zealand's defence relationship with the U.S. continued to grow closer and Dr Coleman oversaw the withdrawal of New Zealand troops from three major deployments - Afghanistan, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands.
"And finally as Health Minister, Dr Coleman initiated and drove the New Zealand Health Strategy - the blueprint for the future of New Zealand health services - while delivering a continued increase in access to clinical services across the board."
Coleman entered Parliament in 2005, but a year later, as National's associate health spokesman, drew criticism for accepting an invite to British American Tobacco's corporate box and smoking at a U2 concert.
He apologised and accepted it was wrong for an associate health spokesman to be seen smoking.
"I didn't even get to finish the thing anyway. It's a very occasional thing, and I can tell you I've lost the taste for cigars over this whole incident, that's for sure," he said at the time.
His stint as Health Minister has been unpopular among some in the sector, and in 2015, Central Otago Health Services supported a vote of no-confidence in him.
