Yesterday the news broke of our own MP Simon Bridges running for deputy prime minister, while endorsing Bill English as his preferred PM to work under.

Since then, Paula Bennett has also announced she will be trying for the deputy leadership, turning the contest into a tight race.

Both candidates have publicly stated their support for Bill as prime minister, which means the decision will come down to which of them best complements the Finance Minister – if he wins.

Paula's experience, her Auckland base, and perhaps even gender give her a strong starting hand, but that hasn't deterred Simon yet. He does have the backing of fellow Bay MP Todd Muller, who calls him "young, dynamic, and a face for generational change within the party."

SunLive spoke to the Tauranga MP about why he's running, and what that means for the electorate that's given him massive majorities since 2008.

Why have you put your hat in for deputy, and not the top job?

I think Bill English is the best person for the job. He brings a huge depth of experience, strength and stability to the national party and the government. The reason I decided to go for the deputy leadership is to balance that with a sense of change and rejuvenation. We've been in government for eight years, and the members want to know they're being listened to. They want to feel this is a new government, if you like, because it has new leadership, and we're reflecting that in the positions we put up.

One thing John Key should be commended for is the way he brought in a stream of new people over time. I got a chance in 2013 to become a minister, which was an awesome opportunity. We need to make sure we're continuing to do that. I think I bring that sense of change to the leadership team.

No Prime Minister has been Minister of Finance since Sir Robert Muldoon. If Bill English wins the leadership contest on Monday, and relinquishes that portfolio, would you be prepared to pick it up?

Look, let's see what happens. I don't think that would necessarily be the case. Obviously there's a huge number of portfolios, and some I'd be more interested in than others. Ultimately, who gets the roles will be a decision for the prime minister, although I'm sure he will consult with his senior colleagues.

We're talking about ‘him' at the moment, but it could be ‘her'…

Yes, that's possible. But I think far and away the most likely outcome is Bill English winning. His experience makes it extremely difficult to bypass him. My deputy leadership is based on the idea that, if I am successful, it will be him I am deputy to.

So if it is Judith Collins, you wouldn't be interested in being deputy anymore?

I would consider all those things at the time. But my expectation is that Bill English will be the leader at the end of the caucus process on Monday.

Judith has talked about transport and law and order being top priorities for her. These are your portfolios – you might complement each other quite well.

I think whoever is the leader, we will work to ensure we are the strongest party on infrastructure, law and order, health, education and the overall economy. Those are our core strengths we know New Zealanders care deeply about. I'm sure whoever becomes leader will seek to make those areas as strong as they possibly can.

You're up against Paula Bennett at this stage – a higher ranked MP with more parliamentary experience and arguably ‘meatier' portfolios. Do you think you stand a good chance?

Well, I think that's the point of my candidacy. Allied to the strength and stability of Bill English, it's important to show it's not exactly the same characters, that there is some change and rejuvenation. That's what I offer. I have strong experience in the sense I am a frontbench cabinet minister, but I haven't been part of what some call the ‘kitchen' cabinet, so there would be change at that level.

Would you be pushing for a reshuffle of the frontbench?

I think, ultimately, that's a matter for the prime minister. But I would be change, for the reasons I've given. Also, we'd want to see the same rejuvenation seen under John Key. It's a significant lesson we've learnt from his time as leader, how important it is to keep bringing on new people through the ranks. I got a chance in 2013 to become a minister, and I'm really grateful for that opportunity. We need to ensure it continues, and that's part of my platform if you like.

Have you gauged your support among caucus?

A key part of why I'm doing this is because quite a number have come to me and said I should do it. I've been encouraged by the support and I feel there's a real sense of momentum in my candidacy. But look, it's obviously a few days away, and I'm not taking anything for granted. I'm going to try and understand what my colleagues want and work to deliver that.

How are you going to juggle your local MP duties if you do become deputy prime minister?

I don't think there would be any negative effect. The opposite is really true, in the sense that the higher you move up the food chain, the more you're able to make the changes your local community want, given the greater influence and power you have. I live in the Bay of Plenty with my wife and family, and I still want to spend time there. I don't necessarily think I'll be a lot busier, if I win. But it will be good for Tauranga.