Murray McCully quitting politics

Murray McCully last week.
MAARTEN HOLL/FAIRFAX NZ
Murray McCully last week.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced he will not seek re-election next year.

He already signalled he would not be seeking re-election in his East Coast Bays electorate, which he has held since 1987.

It's still not clear what position McCully will receive in Sunday's Cabinet reshuffle.

"In light of the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle, I want to be clear that I will not be a nominee for the National Party list. I have made the prime minister and other senior colleagues aware of this position," McCully said in a statement.

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"We can look back on some significant foreign policy achievements, including New Zealand's election to the United Nations Security Council, where I am currently attending my final meetings in New York prior to the conclusion of our term at the end of December.

"Bill English has my complete support and I want to ensure that New Zealand's international relationships have a smooth transition from the Key Government to the English Government. How I might best contribute to that process is a matter for the prime minister."

Prime Minister Bill English said McCully was "one of the longest serving and most experienced foreign affairs ministers in any democracy".

"He continues to oversee an era of positive foreign relations for New Zealand, strengthening our relationships and reputation around the world.

"His work in helping New Zealand win a seat and perform so strongly on the UN Security Council which has dealt with some very complex issues was particularly notable."

McCully is the third minister this week to announce their departure at the 2017 election, following Local Government Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga and Statistics Minister Craig Foss.

However, both Lotu-Iiga and Foss have said they will step down from Cabinet when the reshuffle takes place.

English has promised change to the executive after calls for rejuvenation during the leadership battle, but so far the only confirmed roles are Steven Joyce as finance minister.

Promotions are expected for his strongest rival for the leadership, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman, who has previously expressed an interest in foreign affairs.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges, an unsuccessful contender for the deputy leadership, is tipped to take economic development from Joyce.

But beyond that it is not clear how the calls for "generational change" will be met.

Stuff