Chris Hipkins says Grant Robertson indicated his departure from politics long ago. 

The former Deputy Prime Minister and former Finance Minister is set to become Otago University Vice Chancellor when he leaves the Labour Party next month. 

Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins told Mike Hosking that it wasn't a huge surprise.  

He says Robertson had indicated to him not long after Jacinda Ardern took over as leader in 2017 that 2023 would be his last election. 

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• 'He's got an amazing opportunity': Labour's Chris Hipkins on Robertson's departure from politics