Russel Norman may have officially departed Parliament, but he left a few wise words of wisdom for Labour as he shut door on his political career.
The former Greens co-leader told The Nation this morning that rolling former leader David Shearer could have lost Labour the 2014 election.
"I think it could well have changed the course of the election. I do believe that. I think they made a mistake, but you know, that's politics."
Dr Norman said he and Mr Shearer had maintained a friendly relationship while they were both at the helm of their respective parties, which he thought was a "very positive thing".
"We were looking at a very good position at that point."
Despite leaving for the greener pastures of Greenpeace, Dr Norman says he feels as though he's achieved all he needed to in politics and is not panicked about being the new kid on the block again.
"It's something that I've wanted to do, so it's really great to be out. I feel like I've made a contribution and I'm really happy with that contribution, and now it's time to do something else and for someone else to take over."
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