Sat May 31 03:18:46 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

David Seymour, leader of the ACT New Zealand party, has become Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, taking over from Winston Peters as part of a pre-arranged deal within the three-party coalition government. Seymour, who entered parliament in 2014, will continue to serve as Minister of Regulation and Associate Minister of Health, Finance, and Education. His party advocates for a smaller government, freer markets, and was behind a contentious bill related to the Treaty of Waitangi. He has previously been involved in legalizing euthanasia and abortion and supporting pro-democracy movements.

**News Article:**

**Seymour Takes Helm as Deputy Prime Minister in New Zealand Coalition Shift**

**WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – May 31, 2025** – David Seymour, leader of the ACT New Zealand party, was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister today, fulfilling a pre-existing agreement within the country’s three-party coalition government. Seymour, who previously served as a junior partner in the ruling coalition alongside New Zealand First and the National Party, takes the role from Winston Peters.

Seymour, a member of parliament since 2014, will also maintain his positions as Minister of Regulation, responsible for assessing and streamlining regulations, and Associate Minister of Health, Finance, and Education.

His party, ACT New Zealand, is known for its libertarian platform, advocating for reduced government intervention and increased free market principles. Last year, the party introduced a controversial bill seeking a narrower interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, which ultimately failed to pass.

Beyond economic policy, Seymour has been a notable figure in social issues, having previously championed the legalization of euthanasia and abortion. He also expressed support for pro-democracy movements, including attending a pro-Hong Kong protest in 2019.

The change in Deputy Prime Minister is a scheduled transition agreed upon when the current coalition government was formed in 2023. The government remains led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of the National Party.

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