Greg O'Connor rules out exit from politics, eyes Speaker's seat
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Labour MP Greg O’Connor is positioning himself for Speaker’s seat following former speaker and Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe’s announcement to retire.
Speaking to The Post, O’Connor said his decision to seek a spot on the party’s list followed his loss of the new Wellington North seat to fellow Labour MP Ayesha Verrall.
“When Plan A doesn’t work, you get a new plan.”
His electorate, Ōhāriu, has disappeared in a boundary shakeup ahead of this year’s election.
Two new electorates, Kāpiti and Kenepuru, have replaced Ōhāriu, Mana and Ōtaki, with one seat lost. O’Connor held the Ōhāriu electorate seat for three terms.
O’Connor said he was encouraged by Rurawhe to take the role and was waiting on a decision of his retirement plans before he announced. He said he was told of his decision to retire a couple of days ago.
“He believes that I have what it takes to do the role, which is quite an endorsement coming from someone like Adrian, who’s considered one of the better Speakers.”
O’Connor currently holds the Assistant Speaker title and was previously the Deputy Speaker.
“I feel like I've done an apprenticeship of some sort, seen how the system works, and I think I can add value to the position.”
The announcement was made the same day Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declared the election date at the National Party caucus retreat in Christchurch.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins confirmed on Wednesday O’Connor had put his hand up for the role, and said he would be “a very strong contender”.
“But again, I’m not allocating any specific roles until after the election.”
The party’s constitution explicitly requires that the list be crafted so that it is likely that at least 50% of the party’s representation in Parliament after each election are women.
The list is crafted through a complex process involving various regional list conferences, sectoral group, a national moderating committee, and an explicit consideration of whether the list represents a diverse range of New Zealanders, particularly groups “previously under-represented in Parliament”.
O’Connor, who was unsure of his plans when he spoke to The Post last year, said he decided to mull the decision over summer on a South Island trip with his son, saying “a wise man once said to me, never make a serious decision in December, give yourself the Christmas break”.
“I don't think I'm ready to give up politics yet, I think I've got a lot to offer.”