Veteran National MP Chris Finlayson has confirmed he will leave Parliament in the New Year.
"It's been a real privilege to serve as a Member of Parliament since 2005, nine of them as a Cabinet Minister. I have greatly enjoyed my time here, and I am very grateful for the opportunities that I have had," Finlayson said in a statement.
"I was honoured to serve as Attorney-General, Treaty Negotiations Minister, and Arts and Culture Minister during the last National Government under the leadership of Sir John Key and Sir Bill English."
Finlayson said his career highlights as a minister included progressing the Tūhoe settlement, reforming intelligence legislation and representing New Zealand at the International Court of Justice.
"It's with pride that the National Party in its nine years of Government settled over 60 treaty claims.
Finlayson, who was appointed a Queens Counsel in 2012, said he would re-join the Bar.
He will give his valedictory on December 18, with his final day in Parliament in January next year.
Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard let the cat out of the bag earlier today in the House.
During some interjections during question time, Finlayson made a comment, to which Mallard responded: "Mr Finlayson, you can include that in your valedictory if you want to be in the House on the 18th."
Finlayson's plan to resign this year has been one of the worst-kept secrets.
