Dunedin South MP David Benson-Pope remained unbowed as he delivered his last speech in Parliament tonight as a Labour MP.
He went out fighting, criticising the National Party and the media but also taking time to salute the Government in which he has played a variety of roles for nine years.
"The last nine years have been full of remarkable policy achievement. Who would not be pleased that the kept promises of this government are now improving the lives of New Zealanders?
"We can all celebrate that under this government, superannuation is secure, the Working for Families package is making a real different to thousands of families and Kiwibank and KiwiSaver are helping to assure our future."
Prime Minister Helen Clark was in the House when the MP she sacked as a cabinet minister delivered his valedictory speech.
She sat quietly, listening, after having completed paper work during the speeches of some of her other retiring MPs.
His speech gave no hints to his future plans. He has until October 14 to decide if he will stand in Dunedin South as an independent candidate.
Mr Benson-Pope thanked the voters in Dunedin for their support during the 23 years he had served as a Dunedin City councillor or an MP.
