National MP Nick Smith will leave politics this month after more than 30 years, following a "verbal altercation" in his Wellington office.
In a statement Smith says he's retiring for personal and professional reasons, including a current Parliamentary Services inquiry into an employment matter.
He says he had already decided he was going to retire this year after losing the Nelson seat.
Smith's office isn't returning our calls.
Political commentator and former National Party press secretary Ben Thomas spoke to Susie Ferguson.
