Peter Dunne announces he is quitting politics at the election

United Future leader Peter Dunne is quitting politics at the election, in a shock announcement made today.

Dunne cited recent polling for his decision to quit politics after more than three decades.

In the latest twist to a chaotic election, Dunne is the third leader in just three weeks to resign, following Labour's Andrew Little and the Greens' Metiria Turei.

Dunne's departure is undoubtedly a blow for National, which has relied on his vote in Parliament to help achieve a majority.

The Ohariu MP said the current political environment is "extremely volatile and unpredictable".

"However, I have concluded, based on recent polling, and other soundings I have been taking over the last few weeks, that, the volatility and uncertainty notwithstanding, there is now a mood amongst Ohariu voters for a change of MP, which is unlikely to alter."

Dunne has been an MP for 33 years. He was facing a serious challenge in Ohariu from Labour's Greg O'Connor, the former Police Association president.

O'Connor paid tribute to Dunne, saying he had been a "very, very effective local MP" who had been loyal to Ohariu.

"Yes, it's a surprise," O'Connor told the Herald.

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.