Darren Hughes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Parl. | Electorate | List Pos. | Party |
| 47th | Otaki | 51 | Labour |
| 48th | Otaki | 34 | Labour |
Darren Colyn Hughes (born 1978) is a New Zealand politician. He is the Labour Party member for the Otaki electorate. After serving as Parliamentary Secretary to Labour MP Judy Keall, he successfully contested Keall's Otaki seat upon her retirement at the 2002 elections and held the seat at the 2005 election. He served as the Junior Government Whip until 31 October 2007. Hughes was promoted to Minister outside of Cabinet. Hughes is currently New Zealand's youngest MP.
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[edit] Early life and education
Hughes attended Coley Street Primary School in Foxton, St Josephs and then Horowhenua College in Levin. While at school Hughes was involved in the school and wider community including a three year stint as Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. Hughes attended Victoria University of Wellington where he completed a B.A in public policy and social policy.
[edit] Time in Parliament
Hughes has been an active and effective MP,[citation needed] even drawing praise from his political opponent in the Otaki electorate Nathan Guy of the New Zealand National Party.[citation needed] Hughes is highly regarded by the Prime Minister Helen Clark. On several key conscience votes Hughes has shown a decidedly liberal nature, voting in favour of a law allowing same sex civil unions and the decriminalisation of prostitution. Hughes did however vote against a Death with Dignity law. Hughes was the Junior Whip for the Labour Party and is a Member of the Officers of Parliament Select Committee. Currently Hughes is a minister outside of Cabinet with the Statistics portfolio as well as associate minister for Social Development and Employment and deputy Leader of the House
[edit] Otaki Electorate
Hughes has the smallest majority in the country, winning the Otaki seat in 2005 by 382 votes. The closeness of the vote in 2005 was a big turn around from the large 7,736 majority in 2002. Hughes is likely to face an exceptionally tough battle to retain his seat in 2008, with Nathan Guy having a strong profile in the electorate. A swing against Labour will make Hughes' reelection campaign extremely difficult.
