[6] In 2002, the Alliance began to collapse, with a rift opening between Parliamentary leader Jim Anderton and the organisational wing, led by Matt McCarten.
In the 2002 election, Wright was ranked in fourth place on the Progressive list, behind Anderton, Matt Robson, and new Democratic Party leader Grant Gillon.
After he failed to retain his seat at the 2002 and 2005 elections, Wright was forced to take on a job at a panel beater's shop until he was appointed a Member of the Transit board in 2005.
During this time Wright had commented to Tracy Watkins, a Fairfax Media Reporter that although he had a cabinet full of $1000 suits the only clothes he actually needed were a $12 pair of Warehouse overalls.
[7][8] As of 2015, Wright no longer sits on the merged NZ Transport Agency Board and his current activities are unknown.