Death by a thousand cuts

Written By: - Date published: 7:20 am, May 1st, 2019 - 74 comments
Categories: Deep stuff, john key, national, Politics, same old national, Simon Bridges - Tags:

Another day and more leaks from within National’s caucus.

First up was news that John Key is favouring Judith Collins for the leadership position.

From Tova O’Brien at Newshub:

Newshub understands former Prime Minister Sir John Key has shown some support behind the scenes for Judith Collins to be National leader. 

Key would not confirm this to Newshub, only to say, “I don’t comment on leadership issues” – but because of his standing in the party, MPs still go to him for advice and he commands huge respect in the National Caucus. 

An endorsement – or even a subtle nod – could be a game-changer. 

And the leaks are continuing:

Newshub was also leaked details of the National Party’s Caucus meeting on Tuesday, which included a specific warning to MPs not to talk to Newshub. 

You could not make this up.  Leaking to Newshub that you were told not to leak to Newshub takes a major amount of chutzpah.

This is death by a thousand cuts stuff.  Bridges’ leadership is terminal at this stage. And it is trashing National’s reputation of being a disciplined unified political party.

74 comments on “Death by a thousand cuts ”

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  1. Incognito 1
    1 May 2019 at 7:42 am

    Death by a thousand slushies.

    SlushyLeak.

    An endorsement – or even a subtle tug – could be a game-changer.

    FIFY

  2. ScottGN 2
    1 May 2019 at 7:59 am

    Michelle Boag going all in against Collins on Morning a Report just now. It must be all on…

    • marty mars 2.1
      1 May 2019 at 10:14 am

      Yep – Battle of the … – everything I come up with here sounds rude and so I'll leave it to your imagination.

    • Wensleydale 2.2
      1 May 2019 at 1:12 pm

      I hope Boag fervently believes she's going to win. Collins isn't known for her forgiving nature. Although, seeing the two harpies going at each other would be an interesting spectacle.

      • woodart 2.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 2:00 pm

        the thought of those two going at it ,fishwife style, is both appealing and repelling .

  3. Warren Doney 3
    1 May 2019 at 8:00 am

    Judith's new hairdo makes her look a bit like Frankenstein's monster. Seriously, it's probably costing her a few votes at the moment.

    • Incognito 3.1
      1 May 2019 at 8:03 am

      Frankenstein’s monster had a good personality.

      • Wensleydale 3.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 1:03 pm

        And an unholy necromantic abomination cobbled together from disparate body parts is still more of a vote winner than Collins.

    • Tuppence Shrewsbury 3.2
      1 May 2019 at 3:29 pm

      Love it when men make comments that correlate a Womens worth to their appearance.

      • Puckish Rogue 3.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 4:18 pm

        Agreed, thought we'd got past all that…

        • lurgee 3.2.1.1
          1 May 2019 at 4:58 pm

          You may find that some who like to call themselves progressives haven't progressed very far.

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 3.2.1.1.1
            1 May 2019 at 5:02 pm

            Especially Wayne Doney. If appearances are all we go by, he doesn't look like he's progressed much stopping his knuckles dragging on the ground as he walks

  4. CHCoff 4
    1 May 2019 at 8:20 am

    John (if there is nothing to sell down the river, the river has no value) Key

  5. Stuart Munro. 5
    1 May 2019 at 8:22 am

    Although the polls are carefully not reflecting it yet, the Gnats have reached a level of dysfunction not seen since Bill English's inglorious first spell of leadership, less competent than headless chickens, they manage to bleed but not to run in circles.

  6. Carol Pericolini 6
    1 May 2019 at 8:37 am

    In my crystal ball I see a return of John Key right before the election. In his arrogance he knows he could roll Judith and he is sure he can take on Jacinda.

  7. Clive Macann 7
    1 May 2019 at 8:44 am

    I thought she looked like a female Rob Muldoon.

    A disaster waiting to happen.

    • Anne 7.1
      1 May 2019 at 9:59 am

      You thought she looked like a female Muldoon? She is a female Muldoon, and I'll swear she's been practising the lopsided smile.

  8. Peter 8
    1 May 2019 at 8:46 am

    Michele Boag reckons Bridges has to "learn to be a leader."

    He's 42 years old, he's been in politics for more than 20 years and he's got to learn to be a leader?

    Is the TAB taking bets on who the caucus leaker is? My $ would be on Mark Mitchell. He's going to put himself up as the tough type to deal to the coalition. A caucus leaker toughness? MM, Mighty Mouse.

    • alwyn 8.1
      1 May 2019 at 10:03 am

      The main thing he has to learn is how to suck up to the idiot reporters who operate in New Zealand. He makes them feel intellectually inferior and they don't like the truth about them being exposed.

      He should also simply not comment most of their posturing and ignore most of their questions. He should never have got involved in commenting on things like the million dollars wasted on ridiculously expensive slushy machines. He should be concentrating on the disaster that is Kiwibuild, the fact that the children living in Poverty figures have swung round from improving under National to getting worse under Labour and the fact that mental health services, and the health system in general is getting worse. In the meantime the PM ignores all this and swans off to have a conversation with President Macron in Paris. It makes her feel important you know. A pity she seems to find the Governing of New Zealand is far to difficult a task.

      • Observer Tokoroa 8.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 10:38 am

        Dear Alwyn

        You probably don't realise that you should offer Mr Bridges more and more of your Wisdom.

        It is absolutely stunning! It is also assisting your slide down the Voters Poll. You are all so well known as mismanagers and smug little wealthy brats.

        Thanks for the giggles. In the meantime, thanks for abusing the staff in our prisons. You have overloaded them for decades. It's the sort of guy you are.

      • Peter 8.1.2
        1 May 2019 at 11:36 am

        I can't think why with all his experience, Mr Bridges can't focus on the real points as you say and get those across. I mean he was part of the "there is no housing crisis" team so he knows how to be on message.

        You appreciate that he comes out with simplistic, bullshit nonsense and people can see it for what it is.

        A bit like saying stuff like "the PM ignores all this and swans off to have a conversation with President Macron in Paris. It makes her feel important you know. A pity she seems to find the Governing of New Zealand is far to difficult a task."

        Simon Bridges is exactly the right man to lead the National Party. The shortcomings he is perceived to have and criticised for, actually show that he represents and reflects the party supporters and their limited and warped thinking to a tee. He is definitely your man.

      • NZJester 8.1.3
        1 May 2019 at 8:54 pm

        the fact that the children living in Poverty figures have swung round from improving under National to getting worse under Labour and the fact that mental health services, and the health system in general is getting worse.

        The figures did not suddenly get worse under Labour, the real figures hidden under National just got brought to light. As for mental health services, and the health system in general getting worse, after years of underfunding by the previous National government, it is taking a while to fix the big mess left behind, especially in some hospitals where underfunding led to maintenance cuts that have piled up and left a lot of big repair bills needed to be carried out due to the maintenance neglect.

        • alwyn 8.1.3.1
          1 May 2019 at 9:02 pm

          You really will believe anything won't you? I have a bridge in New York that I am sure you will be interested in.

          While you are considering it perhaps you can explain why this pack of fools, called out Government have refused to divulge any of the results for the measures that the last Government put in place to determine the performance of the Health System.

      • New view 8.1.4
        1 May 2019 at 9:22 pm

        Nice to read something sensible. Most commenters here can’t get past what National are doing even though the labour COL are the Government. As you point out there is a pretty big list of issues that are not being dealt with. Few of the comments question what progress the government has made but instead demonise National who have been dead in the water for two years. Mind you OT is always up fo a good contribution.

    • Stuart Munro. 8.2
      1 May 2019 at 10:24 am

      I think it's Bennett. Not long on talent but truckloads of ambition.

      Plays like Werner Herzog’s Aguirre the wrath of god – always the loyal number two, until there are no contenders left.

      • Robert Guyton 8.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 4:34 pm

        I'm with Stuart – it's Paula Bennet who's lining up. She's kept herself "clean" for ages now and will will be revealed, Venus standing in a giant scallop shell, ready to be adored by Nat voters across the land.

        • McFlock 8.2.1.1
          1 May 2019 at 4:47 pm

          I think Adams would also be game for a tilt.

          That's basically the problem for Collins: she might be the heir apparent, but that just makes her the biggest target, and there's no shortage of second-tier folks who could see themselves stepping into the vacuum left when Collins falls.

          Soimon isn't still leader because he's capable and effective at maintaining the support of caucus. He's still around because the pretenders to the throne are still at a stalemate. Heny VI, not Winston Churchill.

        • Andre 8.2.1.2
          1 May 2019 at 4:52 pm

          "Bennet … Venus standing in a giant scallop shell …"

          I used to think you might be an interesting person to hang around. Still think you might be interesting, but possibly best viewed from a safe distance.

        • Anne 8.2.1.3
          1 May 2019 at 9:00 pm

          Reminds me of a ridiculous election campaign poster of leader, Bill Rowling we were sent in the 1970s. It had a fountain-like display of stars, rainbows and fire-works protruding out of the top of his head. We were supposed to stick them on to fences and other public structures. They went straight into the nearest rubbish bin.

    • Incognito 8.3
      1 May 2019 at 9:24 pm

      Ms Boag can be quite matronising.

  9. Observer Tokoroa 9
    1 May 2019 at 9:12 am

    The Truth

    Neither Mr Bridges, Mr Key, Mr English, Mrs Bennett nor Mrs Collins will ever raise and support Workers and the Poor in New Zealand.

    They will support themselves – namely the greedy wealthy!

    Just as all the endless Trolls on this Blog – support only the filthy Wealthy.

    Bridges, Key, English, Bennett, and Collins are a single entity. They exist only for Greedy; only for the Wealthy. They have Heating, Houses and Rentals and huge Bank Balances.

    That is why they are encreasingly being despised.

    • MickeyBoyle 9.1
      1 May 2019 at 9:30 am

      All good throwing stones, but when poverty is worsening, welfare numbers are increasing, hardship grant numbers are exploding and inequality and emission show no sign of slowing, we too are to blame standing in this glass house of ours. Doesn't seem to matter though, Ardern will romp home in 2020 because she's apparently nice and handled a tragedy just like anyone with a whisker of empathy should have. Politics in this country is stuffed, I feel sorry for those in our society who were hoping for change and got more of the same.

      • BM 9.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 9:44 am

        Smartphones are lobotomising the population.

      • Observer Tokoroa 9.1.2
        1 May 2019 at 9:46 am

        Hi Mickey Boyle

        In a nutshell, you are saying that the Wealthy should not play any part in raising the standard of living of the vast number of poor and disadvantaged.

        You also despise Jacinda. Our Prime Minister. Well done Mickey Boyle.

        Jacinda is offering some Heating for the next few months. The wealthy will so happy.

        • MickeyBoyle 9.1.2.1
          1 May 2019 at 11:22 am

          Actually I said none of that but nice try. And I showed no opposition whatsoever to a CGT or any other redistribution effort, so get your facts right. In regards to our PM, I was a right behind her to begin with, but not now. All our measures regarding poverty and inequality under her leadership have significantly worsened. Should I praise her and be all sycophantic like you?. Or should I call out utter incompetence no matter who is in charge?, I think ill do the last part. You need to wake up, people are suffering, and virtue signalling nonsense will not help. Neither will being a Ardern fan girl when the stats say shes frankly useless.

          • gsays 9.1.2.1.1
            1 May 2019 at 12:11 pm

            I have to admit feeling a slight disappointment with PM Ardern lately.

            Her mantra of kindness and instructing MPs to stay out of the Bridges/BennettLee-Ross was heartening.

            However, more recently, the pouring of cold water on CGT and failing to endorse the slushie machines for over heated workers sticks in my craw.

            Not the leader I had hoped that would lead us away from this neo-liberal, landlording paradise.

            • McFlock 9.1.2.1.1.1
              1 May 2019 at 4:53 pm

              The CGT thing was Peters. Ruling it out under her watch wasn't a huge backtrack if you think about it – chances are that even if they don't need NZ1 next time, Lab still know they won't want to piss NZ1 off too much.

              If labgrn are stable in 2020 and 2023, that leaves CGT as a big switch for the new leadership assuming she doesn't go for 4 terms.

              The slushi machines were small fry to get the pm involved in. Davis did ok.

              The real issue will be if the budget is particularly blah. Leaving most major reforms until election year will be too disingenuous to keep the "genuine care" brand.

              • gsays …
                1 May 2019 at 5:11 pm

                True, the slushies weren't for her to comment, but the comment that was made wasn't reassuring from a worker point of view. Kind of a 'National in drag' response ( thanks one of our resident tories).

                This 'just wait for….' narrative is getting tedious too. The budget, an enquiry, a report..

                I feel sure that come next election cycle there will be other things to put off because they fear not getting re-elected.

                • McFlock …
                  1 May 2019 at 5:20 pm

                  Well, that's the political reality.

                  Some good changes to employment law come into force this month, though, and lots of folk will appreciate the winter fuel payment. So it's not all natlite.

      • New view 9.1.3
        1 May 2019 at 9:52 pm

        MB. I apologise for generalising about the comments on this forum. There are people here willing to question, and keep this Government honest.

  10. marty mars 10
    1 May 2019 at 10:18 am

    There are some names that are influential that haven't popped up yet. Numbers being counted – no wonder Boag got into it.

  11. James 11
    1 May 2019 at 12:15 pm

    interesting warren and Clive commenting on her looks – I thought we have moved past all that.

    • Puckish Rogue 11.1
      1 May 2019 at 2:47 pm

      One rule for me and one rule for thee it seems

      I mean I get why some of these lefties comment on Judes looks (shes a stunner no doubt about it) and its because shes makes them feel sexually inferior, like little schoolboys and so they lash out like little schoolboys and resort to mean comments about her looks

      Its a bit sad really

  12. cleangreen 12
    1 May 2019 at 12:30 pm

    This just shows how shallow the National Party is today.

    They still go to Shonkey Key for advice.

    "Key would not confirm this to Newshub, only to say, “I don’t comment on leadership issues” – but because of his standing in the party, MPs still go to him for advice and he commands huge respect in the National Caucus."

    • James 12.1
      1 May 2019 at 1:03 pm

      and labour would never go to Helen or H2 would they?

      you are a moron.

      • AB 12.1.1
        1 May 2019 at 1:22 pm

        Correct James – their are two matters concerning which John Key would be my first port of call for advice:

        – the astonishing miracle of successful political leadership by people who lack discernible gifts

        – how to set up a foreign trust

      • Peter 12.1.2
        1 May 2019 at 10:16 pm

        The morons are those who for months have been raving about Clark still running the Govt., being the puppet mistress of Ardern and any time she (Clark) gets mentioned for saying something, letting the world know she should shut the f up and that she's had her day.

        When Key makes the news or is quoted about something political thing and there is a tiny bit of criticism his supporters get a tad upset. Fancy that.

    • Wensleydale 12.2
      1 May 2019 at 1:08 pm

      Anyone who "commands huge respect in the National Caucus" should know they're a failure as a human being. And Key should sod off out of politics. He kicked the chair out from under the nation, he doesn't need to mutilate the corpse as well.

    • Fireblade 12.3
      1 May 2019 at 1:41 pm

      The National Party leadership must be very weak if John has to hold thier hand.

      John key, Bill English, Steven Joyce and Chris Finlayson were the talent, only the incompetent dregs remain. Sad times for the National Party.

      The National Party rebuild will be a long and painful process.

      • woodart 12.3.1
        1 May 2019 at 2:12 pm

        it will be a new national party, bought and payed for by cashed up lobbyists and "new" new zealanders. the blue rinse brigade and the cockies and small business owners will be kept around as window dressing ,but policy wise , its all for sale, $100,000 a seat.it has been happening for the last few years but the nats have been selling there safe seats to too many smarmy gits , who promptly shit in their own nests. need to dial back on the arrogance ,born to rule mentality. ….

  13. Chris 13
    1 May 2019 at 2:01 pm

    "And it is trashing National’s reputation of being a disciplined unified political party."

    Nobody cares about that. They'll be back sooner or later. The real question is whether Collins as leader will mean it's sooner or whether it's later.

  14. Andre 14
    1 May 2019 at 3:26 pm

    Just noticed Key's head fits very poorly in that helmet. Surely with his alien lizard-man shapeshifting abilities he could have adjusted his head to get a more natural-looking fit. Did he just not care anymore?

  15. Dennis Frank 15
    1 May 2019 at 6:37 pm

    One of the thousand cuts comes from Barry Soper, who also ventures into cultural analysis and fashion reporting: "there was a lot of virtual signalling going on among his colleagues. The two sharpest dressers of the day were the ambitious Collins and Paula Bennett, with standout jackets and neatly coiffed hair." https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12226683

  16. peterlepaysan 16
    1 May 2019 at 8:45 pm

    Bennet will be the one to watch.

    • Robert Guyton 16.1
      1 May 2019 at 9:26 pm

      swat eye reckon 2

    • Incognito 16.2
      1 May 2019 at 9:35 pm

      A leopard doesn’t change her spots.

      • Anne 16.2.1
        1 May 2019 at 11:16 pm

        I noted Bennett was dressed in a shocking pink outfit in parliament today. She stood out like a piece of candy floss. Collins on the other hand was wearing an expensive looking black velvet outfit. Her eyes had been given a professional once over and I swear she was wearing false eyelashes.

        So, these are the two front runners then? Those Nats are so easy to read. It's all about image to them. Substance doesn't come into it.

        • greywarshark 16.2.1.1
          2 May 2019 at 10:49 am

          If you look at the image for National's Bad Day in the House, Poorer Benefit's eyes look strange. It seems that she has been given a complete makeover (I wonder who the person or company is that does this Jackell and Hyde transformation business). Her face, her body, her posture and walk, her hair style, her hair colour, her wardrobe have been assessed – a political barbie doll. And now her expression, using acting ability to draw attention to herself while she indicatessupport for her Leader and Party; the eyes have it – overacting I would call it.

  17. observer 17
    1 May 2019 at 11:34 pm

    Memo to all commentators and media: every time somebody says "Can Bridges come back to win from low polling, like Helen Clark did before?", a little truth fairy dies. (Bryce Edwards and Michelle Boag have made the comparison in the last few days, as has Bridges himself. They are all wrong).

    Let's get the history right. Clark polled badly, so she LOST in 1996. Then she was kept on as leader. Then she won in 1999. By then, her polling was vastly improved.

    Is Simon planning to lose? And to still be leader until 2023? If not, the comparison is simply … false.

  18. Gabby 18
    2 May 2019 at 10:15 am

    CUTS. Saw the pic of Sirponyboy, misread that. Cuts. Vicious cuts. Greedy lying cuts.

  19. Duncan 19
    6 May 2019 at 6:38 pm

    I haven't followed the Standard for a while. Was there any comment about Stephen Harper's secret meetings with Bill English and John Key about 4 weeks ago.

    These people will never let go or give up in their quest.