Outgoing Labour MP, Andrew Little has rejected suggestions his retirement is due to exhaustion or frayed relationships “with the top dogs”.  

Little announced on Tuesday his decision to step down from politics after four terms in parliament with Labour, during which he was a cabinet minister and had a brief stint as the party’s leader.  

Talking to Heather Du-Plessis Allan Drive on Tuesday, Little said the call was solely based on his desire to make way for more talent to come through the Labour ranks. 

“I woke up even yesterday morning thinking ‘I’d love to be part of that and do this and set this up’, so the juice is still flowing,” he said.  

“But when I think what is best for the party and its future, I don’t expect to be part of a future Labour Government but there are others who are talented enough and deserve their time in Parliament.” 

Little said his relationship with the “top dogs”, those in the high-ranking positions in the party was excellent.  

He said the call to step down was not based on any notion of damaged relationships with anybody within the caucus and prided himself on being able to get on with everyone he worked alongside.  

“I talked to myself going into Parliament I’d try for four or five terms,” said Little.  

“I don’t believe in people hanging on and hanging on, I feel privileged to have the roles I did and what I’ve done.” 

Casting his eyes ahead to what was to come down the track, Little, has already revealed he plans to return to his previous vocation of practicing law but confirmed specifics of where he wants to end up.  

“I came from experience in employment law and ACC, I’ve got more experience in public law, so those things I hope to pick up.” 

When asked on his thoughts on the outcomes of his work on the health system, Little took pride in the level of investment into the sector and noted the buildings and facilities that were stamped with Labour-red project tape.  

“It’s disappointing the Whangarei Hospital that we allocated money for...the new Government doesn’t want that to go ahead,” he said.  

“But we want to increase the funding, the increase in pay for nurses and other roles will make a big difference.” 

Little said it would be impossible to fix broken aspects of the health system overnight but was pleased with the contributions he’d made. 

“We had a good intake of MPs in 2017 and 2020...I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had but it’s important for Labour to not just think about opposition, but about the next Government it forms.”