Former National MP Matt King launches new political party

Former National MP Matt King has launched a new political party.
Former National MP Matt King has launched a new political party. Photo credit: Matt King via Twitter

Former National MP Matt King has launched a political party that he says stands "for democracy and uniting all Kiwis through our common values."

King, who represented Northland for National from 2017 to 2020, tweeted the news on Friday that he would be leading the new DemocracyNZ party in next year's election.  

"Proud to announce that the Party I will lead is DemocracyNZ. This is a Party that stands for democracy and uniting all Kiwis through our common values. DemocracyNZ stands for Kiwis."

In an accompanying Facebook post King said "in the past two years we have seen a gradual erosion in our democracy, whether it is Three Waters or vaccine mandates we have seen Labour have a complete disregard for democratic decisions making." 

King announced in February this year he was planning to resurrect his political career with a new party. 

In a statement in February, King told Newshub: "It has become abundantly clear that Kiwis are calling out for leadership and somewhere to put their vote because none of the parties in the current political landscape provide a credible alternative to the status quo.

"I have begun discussions with an experienced group of people regarding a political party that represents our fundamental rights as Kiwis. 

"After one term in Parliament, I feel I have unfinished business, I will have more to announce in the coming days."

The former police officer resigned from the National Party in February before attending the protest in Wellington.