National’s next leader?
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8:28 am, September 3rd, 2021 - 60 comments
Categories: chris bishop, covid-19, crosby textor, jacinda ardern, Judith Collins, national, Parliament, Politics, Simon Bridges -
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It is clear this week that Judith Collins’ reign as National leader is terminal. The forcing Ardern to recall Parliament just so that she can grab some of the media spotlight ploy has worked in one way. Collins has been at the centre of media attention. But not for the right reasons. Just read my previous blog post for how it went.
The end of her leadership must be on the cards now. Previously the prevailing logic was that potential candidates would let her lead the party into the next election the result of which was a foregone result anyway, then depose her and get on with campaigning to win the following election.
But the damage she is doing to Brand National must be causing some to question the prevailing logic.
The question will be who. Looking at National’s caucus right now they look pretty stale and shell shocked.
And their campaigns are all so lame. They are pale imitations of Crosby Textor campaigns run a decade ago when memes were relatively new and the truth was bent almost to breaking point but not quite. Nowadays the left has learned how to counter these campaigns. Activists call them out and point out the mistruths. Meanwhile the Prime Minister keeps her communication really simple, exudes competence and asks us to be kind to each other. National’s attacks are not working. Their continued frustration at Jacinda’s request to be kind shows how lacking their counter campaign is.
Maureen Pugh is touted as a potential future leader. I only wish …
Simon Bridges is still hanging around. He had published his book, danced on stage at the National Party conference and clearly still has leadership intentions. A christian conservative seeking to woo back the urban liberal vote which has fled the party will work out fine I am sure.
Which leaves who I think is National’s only chance. Chris Bishop continues to perform strongly. He is bright enough and does not bend the truth to beyond breaking point, at least some of the time. He is energetic. And he has been getting a lot of media attention.
Clearly Collins views him as a threat. The torpedoing of the virtual Parliament that he had worked on with Trevor Mallard and Chris Hipkins cannot have been accidental. And removing his role as shadow leader of the house was clearly designed to bolster the crusher reputation.
Bishop is not popular in Caucus and I doubt he has the necessary support. He would also be a big turn off to National’s Christian Conservative faction and the farming sector would view his election as National moving away from its base. He also has some stuff in his background that is damaging. But he may be the best and only chance National has to arrest its current downward trajectory.
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The Government’s attack on workers continues with news it is scrapping work on the Holidays Act. ...1 week ago
- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...8 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
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Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...3 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...3 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
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Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...4 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
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- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...4 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
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- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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Peter Goodfellow.. only possible choice, honest as the day is long, as open as a closed book, excellent reader of men, would take Remuera with him and leave the rest behind, doesn’t think money is the only thing just that there is nothing else..my choice every time. God I wish, please National, pick him.
His wife and sitting Auckland Councillor Desley Simpson would have a good run at Mayor if she wanted to.
Keeps it nice and tight.
Her facebook is impersonal and has few followers and very little interaction. Not very modern, but she is rather attractive in a barbie way.
Further her husband’s text to a teen would be problem PR for her.
Bishop is the magic medication for National's maladies? He's Ivermectin. Trouble is the rest are hydroxychloroquine.
Yeh, you’re almost tempted to like him until you remember he started out as a cigarette company P.R. guy. More nous than Barclay for sure, though.
More nous? Less blow.
Yes and that 'photo of Woodie and Bishop… is that buddy buddy bit off now?
Chris Bishop would be the intelligent choice IMO , but intelligence won't necessarily be a deciding factor will it!
Is there a member of the National caucus who is vaguely well know, female, and on the evangelical side of the party? Someone like that, partnered with Bishop, could make a coherent team.
What about Louise Upston / Chris Bishop. Rural urban divide ticked. Is she right enough?
I thought Nicola Willis might be a running partner for Bishop?
Yeah, she'd be unelectable enough.
Dr Reti would be my pick for leader. Managing Covid is dominating politics and people need a leader they can trust to keep them as safe as they can be from Covid's intrusion and the aftermath.
Reti may be insufficiently white for Nat higher-ups to back.
Or for most National voters to reject, so yeah, he'd be good, too.
Why?
His parliamentary questions show a distinct lack of intelligence.
Actually, he'd be perfect!
Also help secure the Maori and Mormon Vote.
Bishop brings the benefit of being easily disposable after the election, unless he somehow creates genuine caucus support by then. Collins was only a product of desperation, so there is precedent. The religious wing will be plumping for Luxon after 2023.
I can't recall Labour getting this low in my memory. 2014 was bad. Maybe 1960 after Nordmeyer?
Anyway, looking forward to another one of those Bill English 2003 elections. Something in the 20-23% range would be about right.
We can only hope that he is the next leader. Reason? That puts National further down the food chain to survival. Let's do it.
The guy is gutless. If he'd crossed the floor to vote against the Conversion Therapy that would have shown leadership. The guys a toady, a follower. Quite a disappointment really, just into gotchas & wanting to be liked on Twitter.
But Chris Bishop's mouth is too small for his face.
This is not a beauty contesr!!
Just as well or Crusher would never have stood a snowball's either. But his mouth is too small for his face – an unusual defect in a politician. That restricted aperture does not impede the flow of exrement from it though.
Luxon will be wondering why he chucked in his corporate gig to join this shower of incompetents
Like his US brethren, it's a long game. Higher calling and all that.
Collins should stay as Leader of National.
Keeping them out of power for the next decade, will be her historic valuable contribution to NZ.
It would be the kindest thing National could do for the team of 5 million.
Maureen Pugh! Please yes. I'd never heard of her before Simon Bridges uttered his infamous opinion of her, now they're the only two words that come to mind when she's mentioned.
So much so that it would have to be built into her slogan: "Maureen Pugh – Not F*cking Useless".
classic. maybe dr shane and maureen pugh as a pair. a southern rural pakeha woman who is f*cking useless and a northern maori male who is reasonably competent. all bases covered!
Your last paragraph condems him MS. What a choice, unelectable or mr nobody. Couldn't happen to a nicer party. That said, if Aunty Jude could shut her mouth and beaver away quietly using her experience to oppose and propose she would do a good job. Stop the constant barking just for the sake of it. Head down Judith and do your job with some mana because there is nobody better. She could easily do it if only someone would put a sock in that pie hole. Be a little positive and smile every now and again.
There isn't a gasket goo available that can contain a personality like hers. It will always seep out. She can't even say good morning without sounding snarky.
That's her one strength.
Meanwhile Seymour powers through the field to the leadership of the Opposition?
That should be more concerning than National's petty lack of leadership "problems" …
I'm half by expecting Nat/Act to amalgamate
I'm expecting the two parties to morph into two centre to conservative parties, along these lines- liberal versus conservative, libertarian versus authoritarian/ fundamentalist, rural versus urban.
That ACT has risen to 13% at the expense of NZFirst and National is pointing towards a further weakening of National and ACT's growth towards even being the dominant centre-right party.
ACT also seems to have that unifying factor at the moment which seems to be able to tolerate more extreme single-issue individuals even as MPs.
That factor National had in its days of unity, but in those days they had someone to unify behind, such as Key, Muldoon, Holyoake, Bolger with capable lieutenants and senior ministers.
This is why Labour is progressing. A charismatic PM, with capable lieutenants, caucus discipline unified behind a strong and performing leader, no challenger or need for a challenger, and a working relationship with the other centre-left party.
Couple that with 80% plus in support of the government's Covid strategy and a two party government with over 50% support, National will continue to struggle, especially as they have not publicly acknowledged their selection and governance issues, because caucus leaks continue even after the dismissal from caucus of a former leader and call for unity and because their supposedly strong leader, the so-called 'Crusher', is unable to stifle dissent and has to resort to more caucus demotions.
I thought they had already
If we don't get on top of the carona Delta variant there could be a big backlash against labour and the Greens leaving the door wide open for National.
Grant Robertson needs to put some big money into struggling businesses and families especially in Auckland Now.
National are right to ask the govt to step up its help.
If the lockdown goes on much longer Roberston's chance of keeping the economy robust will be to late and all the big talk about 4% unemployment levels 3% economic growth won't count for anything.
At the moment we have a much more serious issue to deal with.So we shouldn't be taking delight in taking pop shots at Nationals dissarray that could change instantly .
Come on Grant and Jacinda time to get the check book out put homeless into motels make much higher emergency payments to people who are struugling. $10,000 payments to SME's widen wage subsidies.
This Delta variant is not going away if the elimination strategy doesn't work we are in deep do do's.
The general point here is that it cannot so long as the same frothing numpties are in charge of it.
Woodhouse and Pugh, an unbeatable combination. Rural/urban divide covered, one 'fucking useless', the other given to seeing things like homeless men and decorating toilet seats.
What could possibly go wrong?
Which just illustrates the paucity of suitable material on the right.
Let it be Bishop. The only danger for Labour will be its own complacency.
Always a danger. The received wisdom in NZ is that sitting governments are unelected rather than oppositions earning election, which fits with a 3-4 term cycle before disenchantment and complacency grow as factors. The trick will be for the centre-left to get into and continue with truly progressive change and to allow renewal and development of newer MPs into senior roles to continue refreshment and commitment to policy and values.
"continue with truly progressive change" – in what universe? In this one, the current government is drearily neoliberal and has made virtually no progressive changes at all. I see it backed down, again, on Dirty Dairying after the National Party gumboots cut up mildly rough. No changes to macroeconomic settings or social policies either. This is a govt of the neoliberal status quo, even though the dogma is demonstrably unfit for modern conditions.
Yet you don't see this as a danger, according to your comment at 19?
It's a horrible danger. Not just the Nats getting in, but the Government not being adequately prodded to get on with it. It true, they've done some excellent stuff, but they're a long way from perfect.
I liked Gordon Campbell's suggestion that National come in and try to outflank them on the 'left', where the increasing pool of votes are. Two parties trying to outdo each other on who can be the most beneficial to the people. Imagine that!
Thats what Key successfully attempted if you all remember –
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/underclass-focus-of-keys-first-big-speech/GVIM7QG353H4OHZRVTDT4TV7VQ/
Not that it was it all genuine – just a cynical attempt to reach voters who put "caring about others" as voting determiner no.2.
The whole reason why that worked in the first place is because the Clark government prevaricated even when it had the numbers because of its concern to be seen as economically mainstream – despite the fact that as Taylor Swift put so annoyingly well – "haters gonna hate".
The next leader of the National Party will be Nicola Willis, with Erica Stanford or Simon Bridges as her deputy. Collins is a place holder, and knows it.
NZ political parties, particularly the major parties, and especially the National party, will never select women for the positions of leader (Willis) and deputy leader (Stanford) at the same time. Would be a political miracle, imho.
Agree. Stanford might be deputy (to Bishop) or Willis might be deputy (to some bloke) but the Nats will never allow two women leaders, especially two women from their "liberal" faction. Crusher won't be going anywhere if Peter Badfellow has anything to do with it. Or Cameron Slater. They've got the Nats over on the Hard Right, just where they want them.
Where they are unelectable. Political parties are about winning elections. Labour went through the same issues during the Key years and eventually an electable leader rises above the rabble.
So Willis and Bridges then.
Certainly less miraculous that your speculative Willis-Stanford combo, imho.
According to Bryan Gould, via Claire Trevett and Fran O’Sullivan, Simon Bridges will be the new leader of the National Party (again.)
https://bryangould.com/a-grim-future-for-national/
‘Judith Collins must now know that the game is up. The Herald has decided that she must go – and the Herald can always be relied on to reflect the view of the National party.’
Hilarious Bryan Gould.
I'm not sure that I would rely on Bryan Gould as a predictor of anything. He was the man who had his dreams of glory and ran for the leadership of the UK Labour Party in 1992.
He got a magnificent result of 9% of the votes. John Smith, his only opponent got 91.1%. Poor Bryan. How humiliating.
Yeah, something that happened half a life time ago in a completely different context means his opinion on anything should never be trusted again.
Trust alwyn to take a limp poke at an 82-year-old messenger. Gould was commenting on predictions by Herald journalists Trevett and O’Sullivan.
As for Gould's 1992 'humiliation', he seems to have put that behind him. Maybe in an objective comparison his achievements would pale against alwyn's, but we'll never know. Gould (CNZM) was an effective VC of Waikato University, imho.
Instead of addressing the content, you’re taking pot shots at the messenger with your snide remarks, again.
Alwyn looking at JC's popularity it looks like Bryan at 9% did twice as well as crushed 4% .
a strange little woman is Judith Collins. She complains about not having enough attention from the media. So the media turns it's attention to her and asks her some questions and she has a small tantrum about it. The media is only allowed to ask the questions JC likes?