JEANETTE FITZSIMONS (Co-Leader—Green) Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Yesterday we heard a valedictory speech from the member for Mt Albert. The House is now going into a 2-week adjournment. Could you help the House by telling us whether you have received a letter of resignation from that member; if so, what date does it take effect?
Mr SPEAKERThis is a very interesting situation, whereby the Speaker is required to answer the question. Let me be cautious, in case I am not aware of a letter having been received. I will just consult a little, which Ministers are not allowed to do, so I do seek privilege here. Unlike the situation with the Hon Dr Michael Cullen, from whom I have received a letter, as far I am aware—and I stress “as far as I am aware”, because something may be in transit between the relevant member’s office and my office—I have not received a letter from the Rt Hon Helen Clark, so I do not know exactly from which date her resignation might be effective. I trust that the honourable member will remedy that situation, because I do expect to receive a letter.