English to transfer to list next year

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English will seek nomination for the National Party list and step down as member of Parliament for Clutha-Southland, which includes the Wakatipu, at the election next year.

Mr English said in a statement on Friday it had been a privilege to represent the electorate since 1990 and he would continue as MP for Clutha-Southland until the election next year.

''I am strongly committed to the re-election of a John Key-led government in 2014 and to my roles as deputy prime minister and minister of finance,'' he said.

''However, representing one of New Zealand's largest electorates has required considerable travel and time away from my family, particularly since becoming a minister. I have therefore decided that it is a good time to strike a better balance between my family and government commitments.''