31 Jul 2014

Parliament adjourns ahead of election

8:55 pm on 31 July 2014

Parliament's 50th Parliament has adjourned as the electorate prepares for a general election on 20 September.

Political parties took pot shots at their opponents during the adjournment debate, thanked their staff and promoted their policies.

The Speaker David Carter announced that the Clerk of the House, Mary Harris, would be retiring and paid tribute to her.

If he returns as Speaker, Mr Carter said he has three aims for the next Parliament: to modernise the Parliamentary prayer, change the way Parliament uses Maori protocols, and make rules about MPs taking photos while they are in the House.

Parliament will resume when a new Government is formed.