the retiring Charles Chapman. He was to hold the seat to 1960, when he was unexpectedly defeated by the National candidate Dan Riddiford. He later failed to win back the electorate in 1963. Given his mayoral experience the press speculated he was a likely candidate for the role of either Speaker of the House of Representatives or Chairman of Committees after the formation of the Second Labour Government. He was appointed to neither and remained a backbencher. During the government's term, Kitts was one of a group of three Labour MPs (the others being Mick Moohan and Bill Fox) who were deeply critical of the decisions made in the "Black Budget". Kitts' brother said that not remaining in Parliament longer had been his biggest regret. Years later, ahead of the , he put himself forward for the Labour nomination to stand in the newly created electorate, but lost out to Gerry Wall. Post mayoralty To the surprise of most, the Third Labour Government did not appoint him to any higher office. Labour city councillor Joe Aspell said "Thousands expected Frank Kitts to be given something to make use of his considerable ability". He did become President of the Sporting Clubs Association of New Zealand. There was also speculation that he would stand for Parliament once again at the for the Wellington seat of , however he did not put himself forward for the Labour nomination. In a surprise move, Kitts attempted a political comeback in 1977. He was again defeated by Fowler with his vote share falling further, though contrarily his vote increased for the Harbour Board, to which he was again elected. A Dominion editorial said of Kitts' candidature "No one knew what Frank Kitts did during his three years in the political wilderness and no one knew why he wanted to come back". Death Kitts died suddenly on 16 March 1979, aged 67, collapsing at his home after completing a morning shopping trip with his wife. His funeral was held in St Mary of the Angels and attracted over 400 mourners. Tributes were given by Kitts' successor as mayor Michael Fowler and former prime minister Bill Rowling among others. Following the service his body was taken in a civic cortège along his famous walking route along Willis Street, Lambton Quay and Bowen Street to Karori Cemetery where he was buried. He was still a member of the Harbour