Richard Worth quits as NZ minister

Wednesday 3rd June 2009

Richard Worth, who was reprimanded for his role in a private business trip to India earlier this year, has resigned as Minister of Internal Affairs, citing “private matters”.

Worth’s role will be transferred temporarily to Maurice Williamson, Prime Minister John Key said in a statement. Worth has been granted two weeks of leave of absence from the House.

“He advised me of some private matters in respect of which he felt it appropriate that he should resign as a minister,” Key said. ”I accepted his resignation and have advised the Governor-General accordingly.”

Worth said in a separate statement he was resigning “with deep regret” for “personal reasons.” He gave no further details and Key said he will not make further comment.

According to the National Party’s website, Worth is a keen mountaineer, former counsul for Columbia and Monaco and former president of the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association and former chairman of the India Trade Group.

He is married with an adult daughter.

Businesswire.co.nz

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