David Seymour

David Seymour, born on June twenty-four, nineteen eighty-three, is a prominent New Zealand politician and engineer, currently serving as the twenty-first deputy prime minister of New Zealand since May twenty twenty-five. He has also held the position of the first minister for regulation since twenty twenty-three. A dedicated member of the ACT Party, Seymour has represented the Epsom electorate as its Member of Parliament since twenty fourteen, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the party's direction.

Raised in Whangārei, Seymour's political journey began during his studies at the University of Auckland, where he joined the ACT Party. After graduating in two thousand six, he gained experience in the engineering sector before working with conservative think tanks in Canada throughout the two thousand decade. His initial attempts to enter Parliament in two thousand five and two thousand eleven were unsuccessful, but he made a significant impact when he was elected as ACT's sole MP in twenty fourteen, succeeding Jamie Whyte as party leader shortly thereafter.

One of Seymour's notable achievements is the End of Life Choice bill, which he introduced and was selected from the members' ballot on June eighth, twenty seventeen. This bill was put to a referendum during the twenty twenty general election, where it garnered overwhelming support, passing with sixty-five point ninety-one percent of voters in favor. The legislation came into effect on November seventh, twenty twenty-one, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand's legislative history.

In the subsequent elections, Seymour demonstrated his political acumen by being re-elected in twenty seventeen and leading the ACT Party to a remarkable performance in twenty twenty, where they secured ten seats while retaining the Epsom electorate. The twenty twenty-three general election saw even greater success, with ACT increasing its representation to eleven seats, the best result in the party's history, including an additional electorate seat in Tāmaki. Following this success, ACT formed a coalition government with the National and New Zealand First parties, leading to Seymour's appointment as deputy prime minister.

Seymour's views on the Treaty of Waitangi have sparked considerable debate, particularly during the twenty twenty-three election campaign, where he advocated for a Treaty Principles Bill. Despite the coalition's support, the bill was ultimately voted down in April twenty twenty-five. Throughout his career, Seymour has remained a significant figure in New Zealand politics, known for his commitment to his principles and the ACT Party's vision.