Yep, they were talking about it whole morning in the radio. Apparently once these rumours start then there is no way going back...

I guess Bill should be happy, he managed to achieve two records - the worse National defeat in 2002 and the best National defeat last year.

Its always been thought that Bill wants to retire from politics. He will not take National into the next election unless it happens early which is possible.

This is the typical time Opposition partied reshape themselves...and being the largest party in the House it is important.

No surprises here.

Simon Bridges - an perfect counter to Jacinda and sure to find a lot of younger votes.

DaveB:

 

Simon Bridges - an perfect counter to Jacinda and sure to find a lot of younger votes.

 

Something offputting about him...what about Amy Adams? Def. not Paula!!!

As a National Party voter my picks would be as follows....

1. No change Bill English remains.

2. Paula Bennett

3. Dr Jonathan Coleman

Pumpedd:

 

DaveB:

 

Simon Bridges - an perfect counter to Jacinda and sure to find a lot of younger votes.

 

 

Something offputting about him...what about Amy Adams? Def. not Paula!!!

 

Interesting that you say that. A slightly older friend said exactly the same thing - he does not trust him! National need some young blood in order to attract the younger voter.

MikeB4:

 

As a National Party voter my picks would be as follows....

 

1. No change Bill English remains.

 

2. Paula Bennett

 

3. Dr Jonathan Coleman

 

But us older voters do not carry enough impetus nowadays. The younger voter needs the attraction of a younger leader - as demonstrated by Jacinda's rapid rise. If Paula Bennett was to become leader, this long term supporter would be long gone along with most young Nats. The National Party need to take Labour head on and the only way to do that is to grab as many young votes as possible. It is time for a change of guard and there is nothing wrong with recognizing that.

No change - just the usual desperate attempts by the media to sell ad space.

wsnz:

 

No change - just the usual desperate attempts by the media to sell ad space.

 

So it's fake news then?

MaxLV:

 

So it's fake news then?

 

No, it's not fake news as I don't believe the media are deliberately deceiving, but they are sensationalising one specific possibility. They've done it to every party, and will continue to do so.

Normally the media are all over this kind of thing cos they've been spoken to off the record.

There is a 'kill bill' faction and the uncertainty this story creates will change some national mp's opinions  - exactly what that faction wants. Get the media to do your dirty work for you.

I think Coleman might be in with a shot - he's experienced and obv has at least half a brain.

I don't think Bennett has the smarts to succeed - I suspect she is dep leader only to bring a show of gender balance.

I dearly hope Coleman doesn't become leader! I didn't like his decisions and evasiveness during his tenures as minister for broadcasting and health. English seems to front when it gets tough, and I respect his values even if I don't always agree with his decisions.

elpenguino: I don't think Bennett has the smarts to succeed - I suspect she is dep leader only to bring a show of gender balance.

gzt:

elpenguino: I don't think Bennett has the smarts to succeed - I suspect she is dep leader only to bring a show of gender balance.

It seems to me she handled difficult portfolios quite well in the media spotlight. I can't imagine anyone else doing as well with those portfolios. Instant name recognition. Personally I'd consider her the leading candidate.

I blame her for the housing mess..she was minister of housing....she also stripped out the welfare system that contributed substantially to child poverty.