Simon Bridges has backed himself into a very dark corner. Had he handled the leak of his travel tour expenses more astutely from the outset he would not now find himself in the insidious position he is in.

Caucus may be still backing him but a recent poll clearly shows that the people do not. Ultimately, it is the voters in his electorate who will decide his fate at the next election – if his political career lasts the distance.

He has never appealed to the wider voters of New Zealand because of his bad diction, inability to speak clearly and directly to viewers on TV, and his uncompromising views on almost every suggestion made to him outside of the party.

The National caucus has become completely introverted in their views and need to look widely for a replacement when he goes. Maggie Barry handles the media well and is mature with an earthly approach, but does she have the depth of knowledge needed for the job? Otherwise, they must look outside of the party for a new capable, astute, open-minded leader.

M Hills, Hairini.