National caucus arrives for leadership decision

National MPs Simon Bridges and Chris Luxon. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas.

Former National Party leader Simon Bridges, who is again contesting the leadership, is feeling "really good" heading into today's caucus decision.

National MPs are arriving at Parliament today, ahead of the leadership vote in a caucus meeting starting at 3pm.

The party's leadership was catapulted in chaos after then-leader Judith Collins summarily demoted Simon Bridges last week

Shellshocked, MPs went into a hastily called caucus the next morning and cast a vote of no confidence in her. Deputy Shane Reti became interim leader and today was set down for the vote.

Today's contest appears to be a showdown between Bridges and political novice Chris Luxon, who seems to have an edge in support from the caucus.

Bridges, arriving at Wellington Airport this morning, has a positive attitude despite the ructions of last week and most punters giving Luxon the edge.

"Really good, I think it's gonna be a good day, a good day for the National Party," he says.

"That's because I think we'll draw a line under the past, be able to really take a government focus on what matters to New Zealanders and the solutions that are required and I think win the next election.

"So I feel really good about today."

Finance spokesperson Michael Woodhouse is not revealing who he might support.

"We don't talk about what goes on in the caucus room ... we'll just see what the options are ... that'll be for the collective wisdom of the caucus to decide."

He says he's sure it will be a good day and "follow the usual script".

"It is important that we get back to focusing on the things that matter to New Zealanders so we'll get through this today and I look forward to doing just that."

-RNZ.

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1 comment

Stability.

Posted on 30-11-2021 12:15 | By morepork

Both these candidates are good, but the most important thing is the business of Opposition. The current dismantling of Democracy needs to be stopped and only a robust focused Opposition can do it. A spotlight needs to be shone on He Puapua and the component parts of it (like 3 waters) and "co-governance" needs to be shown to be the sell-out that it really is. This could be the last chance, not only for the National Party but for all of us.


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