Judith Collins is leaving politics on a high note. 

The former National leader and senior MP is stepping back from politics after 24 years, taking up a new role mid-year as Law Commission President. 

Since Collins was first elected in 2002, she's held 18 ministerial roles, and is currently the Minister for Defence, Public Service, Space, Digitising Government, and the GCSB and NZSIS, and also the Attorney-General. 

She told Mike Hosking she’s become the Mother of the House, and dealing with Parliament is like having 120-something naughty children. 

Collins says she feels like it’s time to go, and with 12 years in Opposition and 12 in government, there’s a good symmetry.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Judith Collins opens up about political regrets following retirement announcement
• Judith Collins announces retirement from politics