Former prime minister Bill English has signed off from his 27 year political career this afternoon in front of a public gallery stacked with family and former colleagues. Bill English delivered his valedictory today after announcing a fortnight ago that he was leaving Parliament. English said politics had taught him humility, because sometimes politicians can get it wrong and Parliament is a very public place to screw up. English said the Raurimu shooting taught him Government could do harm if it didn't act with sensitivity on important issues. "He was almost as good as he said he was some days" - English paid lighthearted respect to his predecessor John Key.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 01, 2018 03:36 UTC