ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she won't stand at the 2026 general election.

She made the announcement in Parliament earlier today, surrounded by her Caucus and leader David Seymour.

Van Velden will continue to serve for the rest of this term as the MP for Tamaki and in her work as Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations minister.

She says she's excited for the next chapter, but it was a hard decision to step away from politics.

"I also, right in my heart, feel like I want to live a bit more of life and see what other opportunities there are out there for me."

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ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she won't stand at the 2026 general election.
She made the announcement in Parliament earlier today, surrounded by her Caucus and leader David Seymour.
Van Velden will continue to serve for the rest of this term as the MP for Tamaki and in her work as Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations minister.
She says she's excited for the next chapter, but it was a hard decision to step away from politics.
"I also, right in my heart, feel like I want to live a bit more of life and see what other opportunities there are out there for me."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Brooke van Velden: ACT Party deputy leader on her decision to retire from politics

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/acdfc227-d823-4aba-9261-b417005590d9/transcript