to use the title "the Honourable" for life. In opposition (2008–2011) In the 2008 general election the National Party defeated Labour. Hughes lost his Otaki seat to Nathan Guy but, being listed by Labour at 19, returned to Parliament as a list MP. Opposition Leader Phil Goff appointed him Transport Spokesperson. He was also made the opposition's senior whip. On 15 June 2010, as part of a shadow-cabinet reshuffle, Hughes became the Spokesperson for Infrastructure. Later, he was also given the Education portfolio and served as Shadow Leader of the House from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, Darren Hughes submitted a private members' bill to lower the drink driving limit to 0.05 (its full name was the Land Transport (Safer Alcohol Limits for Driving) Amendment Bill). The bill was his response to an earlier government decision to not lower the limit. It was placed on the ballot in June, August and November, but not drawn. According to the New Zealand Herald at the time, Hughes "…drafted his legislation only after the Government decided not to lower the limit. But, commendably, he has been careful not to make it an exercise in points-scoring." Hughes was quoted as saying he wanted politicians to "put aside their party differences and work together on issues of road safety". Police investigation and resignation Hughes's time as an MP ended abruptly in March 2011 after a young man laid a police complaint of a sexual nature against him. The complaint concerned events that occurred on 2 March. Shortly after the complaint became public, and while the police were still investigating, Hughes resigned from Parliament. His resignation was announced on 25 March and effective from 5 April. Louisa Wall replaced him as a Labour list MP. On 8 June the Police confirmed that they would not lay any charges against Hughes. Sequence of events On 23 March 2011 Hughes confirmed that he was "being investigated by police after an alleged late night incident." This announcement was designed to end speculation surrounding his Labour party colleagues. Hughes denied any wrongdoing but later offered to resign from Parliament. Labour leader Phil Goff, who had known about the complaint for two weeks, initially refused the resignation but changed his mind a day later. Goff announced Hughes' resignation on 25 March 2011. On the same day Hughes released another statement which in part said: "My position as an MP has become