Long-serving Federal Labor MP Mike Kelly has ended months of speculation by making the “gut-wrenching” decision to resign from Parliament.
Key points:
- Mike Kelly says he hopes his resignation will bring embattled communities in Eden-Monaro into the spotlight
- High-profile Coalition members are jostling to be able to contest the seat, which is likely to be retained by Labor
- Dr Kelly says health issues have forced his hand, but says he intends to “make a difference” with whatever he does next
The 60-year-old will quit this morning in a move that will trigger a by-election in the New South Wales seat of Eden-Monaro.
Dr Kelly has undergone numerous medical procedures over the past six months to address damage to his renal system, caused by severe dehydration during military tours in Iraq, Somalia and East Timor.
“I don’t believe I can continue to do the job to the extent — and with the commitment and the physical demand — that I would want to,” Dr Kelly said.
“I would feel I was letting the community down if I wasn’t able to put that commitment in.
Dr Kelly says he also wants to better support his wife Rachelle, who is also experiencing health issues.
The former army colonel, who was elected in 2007 to the then-bellwether seat, described the decision to stand down as “gut wrenching”.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to represent this community,” he said.
