ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden to quit politics, won’t recontest Tāmaki seat

ACT Deputy Leader and Tāmaki MP Brooke van Velden will not seek re-election at this year’s general election, confirming she is stepping away from Parliament after nearly a decade in public life.

Van Velden says the decision is driven by a move into the private sector, bringing an end to her current run as one of ACT’s most senior figures.

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“I have never wanted to be a career politician,” she said. “While I believe there are so many more years I could serve my community, I wish to explore the private sector too.”

She will remain in Parliament until the election, continuing as Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, and serving out her term as MP for Tāmaki.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve our country in Government and represent the people of Tāmaki,” she said. “I feel now is the right time for change.”

Image: ACT leader David Seymour says he is sad to see her go but respects her decision to step away from Parliament at the end of the term. (File. / Supplied)

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ACT Leader David Seymour described the announcement as a loss for the party but backed her decision.

“I’m sad Brooke is not standing again, but I respect and understand her choice to start her next chapter,” he said.

Van Velden entered politics working alongside Seymour on the End of Life Choice campaign and has spent six years as ACT’s deputy leader. She won the Tāmaki electorate in 2023 and has held senior ministerial roles in the current Government.

The party has opened expressions of interest for a new Tāmaki candidate. The selection is expected in late April where a new deputy leader will be confirmed at ACT’s AGM in June.

There will be no by-election. Van Velden is set to remain in the role until voters head to the polls later this year.

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