Australia's Downer quits parliament

Alexander Downer, Australia’s longest-serving foreign minister and one of its highest-profile leaders for a decade until last year, is quitting politics.

Mr Downer, who was ousted from power last year along with the rest of Prime Minister John Howard’s conservative government at elections, today confirmed reports he would leave parliament.

Mr Downer told reporters in his hometown of Adelaide he will accept a job as a special UN envoy on the conflict in Cyprus if it is offered to him. Such a post is reportedly on the cards, but has not been formalised.

Mr Downer will also take a job as a political consultant, as well as a part-time university teaching post.