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ROSA WOODS / Things
Geoff Simmons is retiring as leader of the Opportunity Party with immediate effect.
Geoff Simmons, leader of the Opportunity Party (TOP), will step down from the party’s top job with immediate effect.
Speaking at TOP’s annual general meeting on Tuesday night, Simmons announced his resignation.
“Now seems like the right time to transition, so we can continue to build and grow,” he said.
“My partner and I have talked about starting a family. Being the leader of a party outside of Parliament can make that quite a challenge, given the time it takes to lead and volunteer. “
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The party won 1.4 percent of the preliminary vote and won no seats in Parliament in this year’s elections.
Simmons noted that the party’s “rebirth” was a challenge, but one of his key achievements as a leader.
“Thanks to those who remained involved and invested their energy in rebuilding the party, we have changed the culture of TOP into a thriving movement. Now we need a new leader to take charge of growth and momentum. “
Shai Navot will replace Simmons as the interim leader of the party.
“TOP has become a real movement, and we have many great people involved, who will help us continue to grow and build into 2023,” said Navot.
Navot explained that the party would not be where it was without Simmons’ commitment and ideas. Simmons intends to remain involved in the party’s policy committee.
A new party leader will be selected after the party has conducted a review.
“We are all united in the need for continuity to make TOP a bigger and stronger party for the next elections, which we intend to contest,” said Navot. “TOP is here to stay.”
