The Cook Islands opposition leader, Sir Geoffrey Henry, has confirmed that he will step down from national and party politics late next year.
The Cook Islands news reports that his leadership has recently been an issue of contention in his own caucus, with some saying that he should give way to young leaders.
Sir Geoffrey says he thinks the time has come to move on, and that forty years in politics is a long time.
He says he believes in his absence the party would be in good hands with the politicians coming up through the ranks.
Sir Geoffrey says party leadership and other executive positions will be sorted out and confirmed.
