Nicole McKee announced as ACT's new deputy

The ACT Party has announced Nicole McKee as their new deputy leader, taking over from Brooke van Velden, at a party rally in Auckland today.

McKee, who currently serves as the Minister for Courts and Associate Justice Minister, entered Parliament in 2020 and was outspoken on gun reforms enacted by the Labour government in the wake of the Christchurch shootings.

She says ACT has stood up on issues where other parties haven't had the courage and is deeply grateful to her caucus for the selection.

"Six years ago, David Seymour convinced me to stand for Parliament. It was a big change for a humble wife and mother of four, a New Zealand sporting representative, a small-business owner, a hard worker, and a community volunteer. Never did I think I'd have the privilege of representing Kiwis as a Member of Parliament, let alone a Cabinet minister, and now deputy leader of the ACT Party.

"New Zealanders have made real sacrifices over the years. Families, workers, and small businesses have carried the cost of bad decisions, wasteful spending, and red tape that makes it harder to get ahead. I'll never forget that I'm in this role to be their advocate, fix what matters, and deliver better value for the people who pay the bills," McKee said.

ACT leader David Seymour said McKee had earned the respect and confidence of her colleagues and was the perfect choice for deputy leader.

"Nicole is straight-talking, principled, and practical. She is a breath of fresh air in Parliament and has never forgotten who she is here to represent.

"She has proven herself as a minister who fixes what matters and stands up for the little guy. Seven years ago, ACT alone opposed rushed firearms laws that scapegoated an entire community and did not make New Zealand safer. Nicole picked up that mantle, and under extreme scrutiny and determined campaigns to stop her, she delivered for a group of New Zealanders that every other political party had forgotten," he said.

Out-going deputy leader and Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden announced she would retire from politics at the November election to pursue a career in the private sector.