Tauranga MP and Cabinet Minister Simon Bridges has come out for the position of deputy Prime Minister with Bill English as Prime Minister.
He's reported on Stuff saying his candidacy is about demonstrating "strength, stability and rejuvenation". Bill English offers the strength and stability, he offers the change and rejuvenation.
He expects Bill English will win, and that's the basis on which he is standing to be deputy.
Simon says he wants to continue the approach of John Key in encouraging rejuvenation.
"He gave me a chance as a minister and I'm very grateful."
Bridges won't discuss what his colleagues have said to him about his plans, but he feels he has "good and growing support".
Until now Simon has been out of the media following John Key's announced resignation, effective on Monday.
Simon Bridges' declaration was made at a press conference this afternoon. He's confident Bill English will be the party's new leader, and had not considered being part of another ticket.
Simon is aged 40, and has been Tauranga MP since 2008 when he defeated New Zealand First leader Winston Peters by more than 11,000 votes.
He was promoted to cabinet in 2013, and has held the energy and resources, labour and transport portfolios.
The contest for Prime Minister is between Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Corrections Minister Judith Collins.
Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett may also be competing for the deputy prime minister's role. She has refused to say if she will run.
15 comments
Oh dear.......
Posted on 07-12-2016 12:23 | By Tassie
no more local politician to contact Tauranga.
A Bridge To Far
Posted on 07-12-2016 13:13 | By waiknot
To quote an old WW2. Also how does Bill English feel about this ?
simon
Posted on 07-12-2016 13:45 | By surfsup
Has been Tauranga mp since 2008, but can anybody name one thing he has actually achieved for Tauranga in that time, and he now wants the 2nd highest position in the cabinet.
Good luck with that
Posted on 07-12-2016 14:02 | By The Sage
He has neither the experience or intelligence for that post.
Living in a bubble
Posted on 07-12-2016 14:42 | By timor2011
He's out of touch with reality he won't meet with his constituents have tried on numerous occasions to do so as a business owner in the motor trade sector.
Well that's a real worry
Posted on 07-12-2016 15:00 | By Ross01
for the nats that is, and the country as a whole if there ain,t anyone more capable.What a great opportunity for NZ First to bring some sense to Govt next year
at the top.
Posted on 07-12-2016 15:34 | By roseh
He's hardle been at the bottom and now wants to get close to the top.God help us.To me a bit of a snob unless wealthy
Agree
Posted on 07-12-2016 16:28 | By Jitter
I agree with " timor 2011" and " Ross01". Bridges is arrogant and unapproachable. If you are lucky to score a one to one meeting with him he sits there totally disinterested and either doodles on his blotter or plays with his cell phone the whole time. This is not hearsay but from personal experience. It would be a disaster not only for the National Party but the whole country if he became deputy leader.
We won't do anything wrong
Posted on 07-12-2016 16:29 | By Astoreth
Coz he doesn't do anything!
Green
Posted on 07-12-2016 18:39 | By overit
Simon is too inexperienced to apply for this position.
Loves
Posted on 07-12-2016 20:06 | By Merlin
Loves photo ops and opening things but thats about as much as I have seen him really do for Tauranga.Bill and Simon I don't think so.
Bridges
Posted on 08-12-2016 08:31 | By Kenworthlogger
Just wondering if any of the commentators below can do a better job?!? Didn't think so....
Why is everyone against him?
Posted on 08-12-2016 09:25 | By Cydifor
Simon Bridges is an intelligent man who gives up much of the time he could be spending with family to do his job in Wellington. Just because you don't hear everything he does, does not mean he is not working for us. He would not be in the position he has today if he did not have the raw ingredients to get there and be noticed.
simon for deputy
Posted on 08-12-2016 11:25 | By phoenix
It appears like a concerted attempt by national opposition parties to throw scorn on a hard working gvt minister. Most people would have a more honest opinion.
Please no
Posted on 08-12-2016 17:43 | By Tgaboy
I'm not a fan. I can't think of one thing the guy has achieved for Tauranga since he has been our rep. Can anyone remind me?I find it hard to fathom after the damage the Rena caused our coastline and the community that he stands in Wellington advocating for deep sea drilling, how safe it is and how prepared we are for disasters. Forgetful much, Simon.
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