This thread has been awesomely civil, long may it continue :) 

MikeB4: Bill English is a good finance minister and deputy PM but he should stay in those roles.

I think he has been good in both of those roles, very good in fact, but if he isn't PM, who does it? Would Collins want him as finance minister? I'd be surprised if they worked well together, but who knows. 

ajobbins:

 

lokhor:

 

Makes sense with an upcoming election

 

 

 

 

But why not see out your term, for a democratic transition to a new PM? Given how sudden this is, and that Key was recently indicated he would serve a 4th term if the party and public wanted him, I'd say something serious is the cause of this. Maybe someone at home is sick.

 

I sense that too. Marriage? But its is quite sudden, as in next week. Strain on family mentioned. Hopefully that rather than what could be expected to a a serious medical event for someone close to resign this quick

vexxxboy:

 

his wife asked him to resign , sounds like she might have said it's me and the family or politics ,  he chose family.

 

He has stated Bronagh didn't give him an ultimatum. I'm sure the job has meant a difficult time for them all though. Being a family man myself, I doubt I could carry out a roll with similar time away from family.

MikeB4: In my life so far I have experienced two very good Prime Minister's, John Key and David Lange. I wonder if I will see a third, time will tell. I would like to see Jacinda Arderne or Grant Robertson given a chance.

Grant Robertson could be an option, not sure about Jacinda, maybe too young/inexperienced? I imagine Angry Andrew would eviscerate her during a debate. 

No doubt he won't reject the "Sir John" title  in the new Year ..

MikeB4: Bill English is a good finance minister and deputy PM but he should stay in those roles.

He has got JK's recommendation as stated to the media. He is a National type PM, liked in business, seems like a stable, logical choice

old3eyes:

 

No doubt he won't reject the "Sir John" title  in the new Year ..

 

Is there some reason he should if offered it?

old3eyes:

No doubt he won't reject the "Sir John" title  in the new Year ..

Key has once again made a top decision with impeccable timing. He will be remembered as one of the great PM's of NZ, up there with Helen.

He has never swayed from his beliefs and in fact was so straight he would leave the media scrambling for crumbs.

The National Party will make the right decision and have almost a year to bed down. Imo the opposition are still ridiculous under Littles lack of leadership and lack of street appeal. Next Government will be a true MMP and could go any way. 

There's something which sends a bit of a shiver up my spine - the possibility that Key's actually resigned because of making a rational decision that the kind of policies he believes in have had their day.

NZ has been fairly unique in being able to combine liberal social policy with free-market economic policies.  The world around us seems to be changing - and not for the better in many ways IMHO. 

The timing seems right. Get it decided before the Christmas break. Or else by the time they're back from their holidays they'll be at the stage where the electioneering is starting.