Maurice Williamson goes to Hollywood with cushy new job

Maurice Williamson (Getty)
Maurice Williamson (Getty)

Pakuranga MP and disgraced formed minister Maurice Williamson will leave Parliament before the next election after being appointed to a new Consular General role in Los Angeles.

There’s only one way to describe his plush appointment: jobs for the boys.

National wanted him gone from Parliament so gave him the Hollywood gig so he'd go quietly.

The veteran MP entered Parliament in 1987 and it's been a rocky journey since with scandals, controversies, demotions, famous speeches, and resignations.

He's sat on the back bench since resigning from his ministerial post in 2014 over claims he advocated for controversial Chinese businessman Donghua Liu.

It's not known when he'll stand down from Parliament. If he leaves straight away, it'll force an expensive by-election.

If he leaves within six months of next year's election, 75 percent of MPs need to agree to leave the seat vacant until the general election.

Newshub.