N.Z. opposition leader quits

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- The leader of the main opposition party in New Zealand, Donald Brash, has resigned.

Brash, 66, has led the conservative National Party for three years but said he was quitting because of the destabilizing effect of speculation over his leadership.

Although the Nationals came close to unseating the governing Labor party in elections last year, Brash said in a statement that there has been growing speculation he would step down before the next elections in 2008.

"This has damaged the National Party and our future prospects," he said.

Brash will officially step down after a special caucus meeting early next week.