Former Cabinet minister Pansy Wong has resigned from Parliament.
Mrs Wong has been under pressure about her husband's use of her taxpayer-funded travel, and resigned from her ministerial portfolios last month after admitting her travel subsidy had been misused by her husband on a trip to China.
A Parliamentary Service inquiry subsequently cleared the couple of any systematic abuse of the travel rebate.
In her statement on Tuesday, the MP for Botany said she had not taken the decision to step down lightly.
"I feel now is the right time for me to step down," she said.
"Over the past month, I have felt that the allegations directed at me have been a distraction to the Government and have put undue pressure on my family and friends.
"I strongly refute these allegations and do not want to tie-up the Government's and my time continuing to do so. I want to ensure the National-led Government can progress its agenda without unnecessary distractions."
Mrs Wong delivered her valedictory speech to Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
She told the House the past 14 as an MP have passed without her having time to stop and reflect, but the last three weeks have given her an opportunity to do so.
"And it will forever weight on my conscience how my continuing political pursuit has placed huge demands and constraints on my husband. And I have decided this will no longer be the case."
No pressure from party, says PM
Prime Minister John Key says Mrs Wong's decision is regrettable, but it is one she has made without any pressure from himself or the party.
However, Labour says her resignation is a cynical attempt to avoid further investigation and was done before the full extent of her wrongdoing is exposed.
Labour leader Phil Goff says the fact Mr Key did not force his MP to resign weeks ago is an indictment on his leadership.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says she has been saddened by the systematic attack Mrs Wong has been subjected to during the past few weeks in Parliament.
Mrs Turia wished Mrs Wong well for the future and thanked her for the commitment and passion she has shown as an MP.
Mrs Wong's resignation is effective from 17 January 2011, forcing a by-election in her Botany electorate on 5 March.
In her statement, she said she had made the decision not to receive any salary or personal entitlements from 20 December, which she has said will be her last day at Parliament.
Botany electorate
The Botany electorate was newly formed in 2008 to take account of population growth in the South Auckland area.
It is made up of parts of the former electorates of Clevedon, Manukau East and Papakura. The electorate extends from Botany Downs and Cockle Bay through to East Tamaki Heights and south to Flat Bush.
