A Marlborough District Councillor who became an MP and recently vowed to keep both jobs and salaries says he is stepping down from one of his roles in October.
Just yesterday NZ First list MP Jamie Arbuckle said he was having no issue juggling both his role as a Marlborough District Councillor with his new job in Parliament. Arbuckle also made it clear he intended to keep up both duties and salaries saying, "At the moment, I believe I'm still doing the job of a councillor". He said in October he would look at his arrangement again.
However, on Tuesday Arbuckle said he will be resigning as a Marlborough District Councillor in October.
He added this will save the taxpayer from an expensive local by-election.
"I will remain as a Marlborough District Councillor until October of this year at which time I will stand down from that role," he said.
Arbuckle went on to say, "This has always been my intent in order for local ratepayers to avoid a costly $130,000 local by-election if I were to resign before that date".
However, on Monday, while Arbuckle said he would reconsider his position in October he did not commit to resigning until Tuesday.
Arbuckle also said after "feedback and upon reflection" he will be donating the salary he received as a councillor from when he became an MP.
"In light of feedback and upon reflection, any remuneration I have received in my role as a local councillor since the date of the general election in October last year, as well as any future remuneration received until I stand down, will be donated to a local district community charity.
"This is my fifth term as a Marlborough District Councillor, I am passionate about local issues, and I will continue to work hard for my community," he added.
