National Party Leader John Key has acknowledged the work and service of National MP Clem Simich, who announced today he was standing down from Parliament.

"Mr Simich has given long and distinguished service to both the National Party and Parliament, and I'd like to publicly thank him for his contributions.

"He has served as a National Party MP since 1992.  He held a number of ministerial posts in the last National Government and more recently has been Deputy Speaker.

"Mr Simich has also served the organisational wing of the National Party in a number of roles over a period of many years, prior to becoming an MP.

"I wish Clem and Ann well for the future."