Labour's Napier MP Stuart Nash says he supports his deputy leader Annette King's decision to stand down.
Mr Nash, the party's police spokesman, said Ms King was "absolutely fantastic" and would be missed by her colleagues.
"But good on her for making this decision. She's going to be 70-years-old at the next election. The love of her life is her little grandson William, and I take my hat off to her. I love Annette dearly."
Her decision was made for the good of the party, Mr Nash said, and that reflected on her character.
"She is a woman of true integrity and she has always been 100 per cent loyal. She has always had my support and whoever replaces her will equally have my support."
