web analytics

Poor Paula’s position’s in peril

Written By: - Date published: 8:36 am, February 1st, 2018 - 25 comments
Categories: bill english, national, paula bennett, same old national - Tags:

Spare a thought for Paula Bennett. Looks like her political career is on the long slippery slope to oblivion.

And clearly there has been sabotaguing of Bill English’s leadership with leaked rumours from within National’s Caucus of his leadership being under threat being made on the day he was giving a major speech. The context is National’s loss of power. Nothing annoys them more.  And knives are being sharpened for those who are perceived to have been responsible for poisoning the relationship with Winston Peters.

From Sam Sachdeva at Newsroom:

Several sources spoken to by Newsroom suggested some of the speculation was overblown, with no strong appetite for a change of leader in the coming months.

One source said there was still a high level of respect for English within the party, and he would be given the space to decide what he wanted to do.

Another said there were many in the party who were keen for him to hold the leadership through to the 2020 election, if that was what he wanted.

However, there appears to be a feeling that Bennett’s position is much less secure than English’s, with some media reporting she may be forced out of the deputy role.

She was seen as a poor performer during the campaign, and few within National now see her as the natural successor to English, despite his decision to support her elevation to the deputy’s role last December.

She returned to yesterday’s National caucus meeting in Parliament in a bright and breezy fashion after her gastric bypass, but may find herself under the pump at a two-day caucus meeting in Tauranga next week.

And from Tracy Watkins in Stuff:

Rumblings have started in National over its election loss and the knives are out for key figures in the outcome, including deputy Paula Bennett.

But with the party still polling above 40 per cent leader Bill English appears to be safe for now.

Jostling is already underway over a replacement should English step down, however. He had planned to retire from politics before John Key’s shock resignation thrust him into the leadership.

A senior National Party source said English commanded a lot of respect in the caucus and there would be a backlash against anyone who tried to roll him at this poi

He was seen as having earned the right to go gracefully, though the mood may change if the polls dropped.

But English is loyal to Bennett and may see any move against her as a move against him.

The source said an early move against Bennett could not be ruled out, however, as the party comes to terms with its defeat and the prospect of more than one term in Opposition.

The dominant line about English, that he continues to have respect and will be given the opportunity to go out on his own terms may be true but its publication causes significant damage to his leadership.  I have seen this before, the drip drip drip of leaks causing conjecture about a leader causes damage and almost inevitably failure.

I almost feel sorry for English and Bennett.  Almost …

 

25 comments on “Poor Paula’s position’s in peril ”

  1. Enough is Enough 1

    No need to feel sorry. Every leader knows that it is inevitable they will be rolled in a coup or rejected by the public. (unless you are John Key).

    Paula will probably be upset by it as she hasn’t achieved anything.

    Bill will pretty philosophical. He’s had his time and it is now time to move on.

    • ianmac 1.1

      I wonder if Bill had intended to bow out hence moving onto the List a couple of years ago, but then Key gave him the PMship. The chance was too good to miss but now, having lost the Election he must be again considering retirement if not now then soon?

  2. Anne 2

    Dirty politics… only this time the targets are their own kind.

    What a lovely turn of events.

    • SpaceMonkey 2.1

      I don’t think this is dirty politics, just the usual rumblings and movement before change happens.

      I’m looking forward to the next phase when it becomes clear to National they have no one to lead that hasn’t been tainted by their shitty 9 years in Government under John Key – often the case with any political party following a charismatic or strong leader.

      But it is a lovely turn of events.

    • Enough is Enough 2.2

      Don’t overuse the Dirty Politics term.

      Leaks are how we get most of our political news. How do you think we know about coups (on both sides of the fence) weeks before anyone says anything officially.

  3. SpaceMonkey 3

    I can’t feel sorry for either of them. Not after what they have done to NZ.

  4. paul andersen 4

    its hilarious. nobody really wants the job now as they realise that jacinda is on the up. whoever gets the poisoned chalice knows they are looking at a defeat next election, and the nats numbers will only go down. for such a greedy self-serving mob to be saying to each other, “you first, after you” etc is such comedy….

  5. patricia bremner 5

    Those costumes speak volumes! Pirates is right. Plundering the public purse.
    Paula’s party is over because she will lose her dance partner.

  6. Bennett was always just kept on as the clown quotient , albeit a vicious one. Well , it was all very fine when they held their quasi dictatorship but now they dont.

    Bennett will be the first against the wall.

    As for this : … ” One source said there was still a high level of respect for English within the party, and he would be given the space to decide what he wanted to do ” …

    The only ‘respect’ , …. if one could call it that ,… was from those intimately connected to – and firm believers in , the NZ Initiative ( the outpost of the London based Mont Pelerin Society ) and the neo liberal program. Well , that ‘ program’ is now dying.

    Like Bill English’s career.

    The man is a two time loser. Are we seriously to believe that those of the inner circle who have lived high on the hog for so long are really going to stand by and watch their privileged lifestyles put under threat by suffering a man who is not only past his use by date , – but also the man responsible for putting their privileges under threat ?

    Obviously not.

    There will be a move against English , – and Bennett the clown.

    The fact that all this is being cloaked in niceties and softened by the media for public consumption cannot hide the rancor that is taking place as we discuss this. And as with anyone with a modicum of intelligence in observing human nature and cause and effect could tell you , – they had it coming to them.

    No one can carry on as the National party did for a decade and get away with it. The amount of people who suffered because of them were not in the tens of thousands – they were in the hundreds of thousands.And now its time to pay the ferryman.

    Some would call it revenge, – others Utu.

    As for me , – Kevin Bloody Wilson coined the most appropriate acronym regards the National party :

    DILLIGAF .

    Leave it to the Aussies to not mince their words, …

    KEVIN BLOODY WILSON D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. – YouTube

  7. OncewasTim 7

    They could just offer her a talkback slot somewhere and give her the push.
    Perhaps somewhere remote on local radio on a 5 watt transmitter.

  8. John 8

    Here is my pick. Judith Collins will jump ship to ACT to try and get National a better polling partner. Sort of like John Banks that great father figure. Then Amy Adams for leader because she owns the most farms I think. Then Shane Reti for deputy. A safe pair of hands as he has done nothing so no dirt on him. Just for shits and giggles

    • Bearded Git 8.1

      Chris Bishop for deputy….he was one of the very few almost human Nats that used tp appear on Backbenches (sob….pleeese bring it back Jacinda/Clare)

  9. SPC 9

    I wonder if Labour will do a Shane Jones move and appoint Bill English offshore?

    Aid and abet a leadership struggle, disunity does have its risks while in opposition.

  10. Michael 10

    I think the Nats should take their time over this, as befits a conservative political party. Perhaps they could give every one of their caucus a go in the top job and the number two spot before settling on whomever looks best (I have no idea how right-wingers judge these things). Of course 90 day fire at will arrangements are best to ensure business confidence in the brand.

  11. tc 11

    I don’t care which owned soul ends up fronting the national party division of corporate NZ.

    Labour/NZF need to deliver and get the message out there about the asset/rights/property stripping under National and let the electorate take care of them.

    Public broadcasting would help so c’mon Curran let’s see if you’re more than a beltway trougher club member as so far you’ve been about as effective as you were in opposition.

    • Michael 11.1

      I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Curran to do anything with her ministerial portfolios. So far, she’s distinguished herself as the first member of the new cabinet to trash the spirit and intent of our official information law. As for building up RNZ as a serious competitor to the low-brow MSM offerings (a category that includes TVNZ), I doubt she’s capable, even if she wants to. Perhaps that’s why she scored the job?

  12. Tricledrown 12

    How will they rehabilitate Bennett for leadership or is she to much of a liability.

  13. Michelle 13

    So now pullas colleagues are trying to put the boot in after all the dirty work she did for them.
    They were happy for her to treat people like shit when they were in power now they have lost they want to get rid of her
    I have no pity for her but people need to see the tories for what they really are selfish greedy a…wholes

  14. Jimmy Ramaka 14

    Bennett is the obvious successor the old boy network will have been grooming her for bigger things, they can obviously see the potential in her, She has dragged herself up by the boot strings just like our previous leader who was the most popular PM ever in the History of NZ.

    • Robert Guyton 14.1

      Jimmy. Jimmy. Jonny-boy “dragged himself up by his boot-(sic) strings?
      Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
      Nice.
      I remember the report of how Jonny decided to learn to golf, because that’s what the Kings of Neolib enjoyed. “Dragged”?
      Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recovery
    The Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Duty relief for cyclone-affected businesses
    Further assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changes
    More than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Green investment fund delivers on climate action
    A major investment by Government-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance towards electrifying the public bus fleet is being welcomed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw. “Today’s announcement that NZGIF has signed a $50 million financing deal with Kinetic, the biggest bus operator in Australasia, to further decarbonise public transport is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovators
    A world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says. Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Te Awa shared path completed
    Minister of Transport Michael Wood joined crowds of keen cyclists and walkers this morning to celebrate the completion of the Te Awa shared path in Hamilton. “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come,” Michael ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua
    Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpart
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government delivering world-class satellite positioning services
    World-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges.  Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson Tasman
    A new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • National’s education policy: where’s the funding?
    After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment.  “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventors
    People aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economy
    A cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times
    77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business Forum
    Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island
    $2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-27T15:00:30+00:00