Prime Minister John Key says it's unlikely Aaron Gilmore could make his way back to Parliament after his resignation as an MP.
In his final speech to Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Gilmore said the media scrutiny he's been under because of his behaviour at a Hanmer Springs hotel has caused immense stress, and left him unable to function as a MP.
Mr Key says Mr Gilmore's final speech was dignified, and he acquitted himself well.
The prime minister said Mr Gilmore had made the right call to step away from Parliament, and is unlikely to make a comeback.
Finance Minister Bill English says it was a sincere speech from a guy who's been under enormous pressure and agrees Mr Gilmore made the right decision to leave Parliament.