Nick Smith has opened the floodgates* (Patreon)

With the sudden announcement of Nick Smith's retirement from politics, National welcomes back that powerhouse Harete Hipango.

I'm told that a number of National List MPs are keen on getting the hell out of dodge, but nobody wanted to be the first to go because they would be responsible for ushering Harete back into parliament.

Harete's claims to fame are:

• claiming Labour wanted to legalise full-term abortions (including post-birth)
• arguing it was hypocritical to be pro-choice while becrying infant mortality
• chucking up a quote from the PM on social media that was a complete misrepresentation of what was being said (this did allow for a spectacular exucse though: Harete claimed the quote was "a construction of key words aligned with Jacinda Ardern"

I've previously written on National's splintering along religious lines. Nick Smith was one from the "liberal" side of the party. Harete is not.

But now that Nick Smith has allowed Harete back in, we might see more retirements; for instance the former member for Ilam may now take this opportunity to leave.

Nick has said that there is an ongoing investigation into a "verbal altercation" that took place in his office.

Someone who would know said that Nick Smith has a history with being an angry bastard and has been known to throw staplers and abuse at staff. So really, good riddance to him.

It will be interesting if National hierarchy is able to convince Harete to step aside and allow Jonathan Young or Tim Macindoe back in. One thing Harete will bring to National is diversity, and goodness knows they need it.

So farewell Nick Smith, welcome back Harete Hipango, and may God have mercy on our souls.

*With apologies to those suffering in these horrendous floods.