David Seymour has officially been sworn in as New Zealand’s new Deputy Prime Minister, taking over from veteran politician Winston Peters. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Government House, marking a significant leadership shift within the coalition government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Seymour, leader of the ACT Party, now formally assumes the country’s second-highest political office. His appointment is part of a pre-arranged agreement within the three-party coalition, where Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, served in the role for the initial portion of the parliamentary term.
During the ceremony, Seymour expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized his commitment to strengthening the coalition’s governance. “It’s a great privilege and responsibility. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Prime Minister and our coalition partners to deliver for all New Zealanders,” he said.
Prime Minister Luxon congratulated Seymour on his new position, praising his leadership and collaborative spirit. “David brings both energy and integrity to this role. His contributions have already been instrumental in advancing key policies,” Luxon remarked.
Winston Peters, who held the deputy role for the first half of the coalition’s term, stepped down in accordance with the coalition agreement. Peters will continue to serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs and remain an influential figure within the cabinet.
Seymour’s rise to the deputy position is a major milestone for the ACT Party, which gained significant traction in the last general election. His focus in the new role will likely center on economic reform, education, and government accountability—core priorities for his party.
The transition comes at a time of considerable political activity, with the coalition government navigating key legislative reforms and economic challenges. Seymour has indicated he will use his new platform to push forward the coalition’s shared agenda, while maintaining the distinct voice of ACT within the government framework.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, fellow ministers, and members of Parliament. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro administered the oath, officially confirming Seymour’s position in the executive branch.
This appointment reflects the ongoing political cooperation within the coalition government and sets the stage for the next phase of its term. As Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour is expected to play a more prominent role in public policy discussions and parliamentary leadership moving forward.
Source; NZ Herald
