Peter Hall to leave politics

NATIONALS MP Peter Hall has confirmed he will not contest the Victorian November election.

Change: Students measure Victorian Skills Minister Peter Hall for a suit jacket.

NATIONALS MP Peter Hall has confirmed he will not contest the Victorian November election.

Mr Hall released a statement this morning outlining his decision to leave politics after 25 years.

MORE: Three Nats to quit

The news comes after Weekly Times Now revealed speculation in January three senior Nationals MP were planning to not stand at the next election.

Since then Hugh Delahunty, Jeanette Powell and now Mr Hall have signalled they will not recontest their seats.

“On Thursday evening of last week I informed the Premier and Deputy Premier that I will not be a candidate at the next election,” Mr Hall said.

“After more than 25 years as the Member for Gippsland Province and more recently Eastern Victoria Region, I feel that it is time I give more of my time to family and interests outside of Parliament.”

More recently Mr Hall has been the Minister for High Education and Skills and the Teaching Profession in the Coalition Government.

“I would also like to thank the Nationals for their endorsement over those 25 years and for the leadership of the Party throughout that time, particularly our current leader Peter Ryan.

“I also wish to thank Ted Baillieu and Denis Napthine for the opportunity to be part of their ministerial teams and I offer my ongoing support in the lead up to the November election.”

Deputy Premier and Victorian Nationals leader Peter Ryan said today Mr Hall had been an outstanding advocate for Gippsland.

“As a former teacher, Peter has brought enormous experience and depth of understanding to his ministerial roles and enjoyed a close working relationship with the education and training sector,” Mr Ryan said.

“I thank Peter for his loyal and dedicated service to The Nationals and Victoria over more than 25 years in State Parliament.”