The Atiu MP in the Cook Islands, Upoko Simpson confirms that the speaker of parliament, Norman George will stand for his seat when he resigns.
72 year old Upoko Simpson says he plans to step down from politics next year, due to illness and old age.
He says Norman George has indicated his interest in standing in a by-election for Atiu, for the Demo Tumu party.
"Well we have talked with him and he wants to take over and he'll have to resign from the speaker for the election."
The Cook Islands Atiu MP, Upoko Simpson
