Simon Bridges says he's been seriously thinking of leaving politics since last summer.
The frontbench National MP and former party leader surprised many yesterday by announcing his retirement after 14 years in Parliament, saying he wants to pursue commercial work and spend time with his family.
He told Morning Report it was becoming harder to justify spending long periods of time away from his young family on the job.
Political commentator Shane Te Pou spoke to Guyon Espiner.
