Kerry James "Chester" Borrows is a National Party politician who served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 2005 to 2017. In July 2018 he was appointed head of the Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Group, which is tasked with helping reform New Zealand's criminal justice system.
In the, Borrows first stood for parliament, in the electorate, but he could not unseat the incumbent, Jill Pettis of the Labour Party. Ranked 45th on the party list, he was not high enough to enter parliament. In the, Borrows stood again in Whanganui and was ranked 36th on the party list, which was again not high enough to enter parliament. In the 2005 election, Borrows defeated Pettis. Borrows had proposed an amendment to the Crimes Amendment Bill that allowed for the use of force on children providing that is does not "cause or contribute materially to harm that is more than transitory and trifling". After the 2011 election Borrows was appointed a Minister outside Cabinet for Courts; his appointment being alongside new Ministers outside Cabinet Jo Goodhew and Chris Tremain. He replaced outgoing MP Georgina te Heuheu and also received the associate portfolios of Justice and Social Development. In the 2014 general election Borrows retained his seat and, upon request from the Prime Minister John Key, moved into the role of Deputy Speaker, replacing Eric Roy who had retired from the role and Parliament. Borrows was granted the style The Honourable for life by the usual convention for outgoing Ministers. Borrows broke ranks with his party in 2017 to openly condemn what he called the "discriminatory" policies of US President Donald Trump, and reiterated his support for Syrian and Muslim refugees. Borrows did not stand in the 2017 general election. In the 2018 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for services as a member of parliament.
Political views
Following controversial comments about homosexuals by Australian rugby player Israel Folau in 2018, Borrows identified himself as a liberal Christian, calling the comments "homophobic" and "hateful". Initially opposed to same-sex marriage, he admits his opinions have changed significantly in recent years. After visiting Parihaka in 2018, Borrows argued that there needed to be wider teaching and acknowledgment of New Zealand history, especially regarding historical injustices committed against Māori. In a 2019 article for The Spinoffnews website Borrows condemned National Party leader Simon Bridges' 'tough on crime' approach, saying there was no evidence it would reduce crime rates. He has argued for a more rehabilitative approach which he believes is better supported by evidence.
Personal life
His parents were lifelong socialists. He now lives in Hāwera with his wife, Ella, and they have three children. He is a lay preacher in the Presbyterian Church. In 2007 he had a "stomach-stapling" operation to reduce weight. In 2017, Borrows was found not guilty of a charge of careless driving causing injury, a charge he faced after he drove over the foot of a protester in Whanganui in 2016. In 2019, Burrows had his driving license suspended for three months, as he had earned 100 demerit points from four speeding tickets over two years. He was later granted a limited driver's licence.
