Who is next?

Written By: - Date published: 8:03 am, March 7th, 2018 - 65 comments
Categories: bill english, Gerry Brownlee, national, nick smith, Politics, same old national, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce - Tags: , ,

The exodus of National MPs from Parliament appears to be picking up pace.

First of all Bill English went quickly, despite public comments from within the National Party that he could remain as leader for as long as he wanted. His sudden resignation suggested that a tipping point had been reached within National’s caucus and he saw that the writing was on the wall.

Then suddenly Steven Joyce went. A week ago he wanted to be leader of the party. But yesterday he decided to bail out with all the usual platitudes about spending more time with his family.

And the day before he was that protective of his reputation he threatened to sue the NBR the one media outlet above many others that is pro National.

Of course the position Joyce was offered have nothing to do with his decision to change careers. None whatsoever.

And the question arises who will be next? Who else will decide that they do not want to hang around, giving brave speeches in Parliament and then taking part in losing votes.

A few names spring to mind. David Carter must be ready to go. Gerry Brownlee must be counting the days especially as news breaks that the deal the Government signed to rebuild Christchurch was even worse than everyone thought. Chris Finlayson must be thinking of a more lucrative role in the law. Nick Smith must realise that his days are numbered although whether or not he has the opportunity of an alternative career may be a significant issue. Nicky Wagner must be thinking of leaving soon. There are a number of MPs who could disappear at any time.

And National is preparing for this.  From Anna Bracewell-Worrall at Newshub:

Mr Bridges said today there will be more resignations. He said he doesn’t expect many, and doesn’t think they will come as a result of his upcoming shadow cabinet reshuffle.

“Over time you will see retirements, but I don’t think there’ll be a lot. In terms of this reshuffle, I don’t think you’ll see that,” Mr Bridges said this afternoon.

The reshuffle is likely to see some younger MPs elevated to the front bench and in the toss and tumble, some of the more senior, experienced MPs will be relegated to the back benches.

If they don’t like that, they could well choose to retire.

Mr Bridges has indicated numerous times that he will bring generational change to the caucus – and has said that partly means new faces.

He repeated that on Tuesday, saying, “The reshuffle’s going to be an exciting blend of real experience, and we’ve got so much of that, and also bringing fresh talent through.”

As for whether Mr Joyce’s resignation is an act of petulance in response to his demotion from the finance portfolio, Mr Bridges said that’s not the case.

“Not at all. I think Steven feels he’s at a crossroads, and he feels that he has a wonderful young family and plenty of ability to get out in the commercial sector and do well.”

And there are some interesting people ready to become MPs.  Next in will be Nicola Willis whose public reputation appears to be sound.  After that is Agnes Loheni, a token Samoan candidate who thinks that it is important for the Government to provide more transitional and emergency housing.  What a complete lack of ambition.  And then Paulo Garcia who is opposed to the concept of recreational fornication.

Whatever happens National has lost a great deal of experience over the past 18 months including arguably its three most senior MPs.  If the polls start going south then things will get really interesting really quickly for Simon Bridges.

65 comments on “Who is next? ”

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  1. Zorb6 1
    7 March 2018 at 8:10 am

    We should really thank Winston.He has terminated the tragedy of the Key era in NZ politics.

    • Incognito 1.1
      7 March 2018 at 8:27 am

      Yeah, nah. National had a very strong suit going into the election and came out with very strong cards. However, they had lost all but one suitable coalition partners. Who knows, through arrogance, wilful blindness, or the feeling of power once again within reach they simply seemed to expect that NZF (not just Winston Peters!) would just choose them. In other words, they misread the cards and blew it and brought most if not all of this upon themselves. People given Winston Peters (not NZF!) way too much credit for National’s demise IMO.

      • WILD KATIPO 1.1.1
        7 March 2018 at 8:32 am

        … ” they misread the cards and blew it and brought most if not all of this upon themselves ” …

        Yes,……. but I’m sure leaking Peters personal financial information certainly didn’t help,… eh.

        So yes, Peters didn’t particularly ever like John Key as Key was the man who said he would never work with NZ First / Peters. And National were so arrogant with Dunne , the Maori party and Act they thought they were invincible.

        And now ,… where is Dunne ?, where is the Maori party ? and where is Key , English and Joyce?

        Answer? – down the road, mate.

        • Siobhan 1.1.1.1
          7 March 2018 at 9:29 am

          In the case of Key a road paved in Gold…

          • Pat 1.1.1.1.1
            7 March 2018 at 9:37 am

            lol…follow the yellow brick road

          • WILD KATIPO 1.1.1.1.2
            7 March 2018 at 9:37 am

            Ah yes,… but that’s always symptomatic of a society that enshrines its leaders as untouchable and beyond reproach – even hallowed.

            Usually a society that is politically immature, has a very sophisticated elite that have all their people in key positions of both media , lobbying groups and in turn, political party’s.

            They are the enablers.

            This is New Zealand today. We have never suffered revolution as the Americans did , and it was always going to be an easy transition to write the laws to suit a particular demographic.

            • Tuppence Shrewsbury 1.1.1.1.2.1
              7 March 2018 at 1:20 pm

              Probably the most bi-partisan comment you’ve ever made.

              • WILD KATIPO …
                7 March 2018 at 1:37 pm

                Ha! – have you ever back tracked to review your own lofty list of bipartisan comments in the pursuit of the neo liberal continuity?

                Its amusing that the small gaggle of RWNJ’s that congregate around T.S are completely glaucomic as to their own enormous biases and conscienceless- ness when presented with the facts.

                • Tuppence Shrewsbury …
                  7 March 2018 at 4:54 pm

                  wooosh _____ =my comment
                  ^
                  |
                  |
                  |
                  |
                  |
                  |
                  |
                  Your head

                  Why launch into some abuse about mine and other’s supposed biases?

                  Opinions different to ones own have merit too. What amused me was your position in the comment I originally replied to and how bi-partisan it was. From one who has been pathologically incapable of being bi-partisan. It made me reassess the extent to which i think you possess intelligence.

                  And then you replied to it…. presenting opinion as fact….

                  • WILD KATIPO …
                    7 March 2018 at 8:59 pm

                    Straight A’s for your superior intellectualism.

                    … ” Why launch into some abuse about mine and other’s supposed biases? ”…

                    Maybe its because of a small thing called trust. And when viewed against past performances from you and others of your neo liberal ilk, well,… ones just got to say ,… there’s generally always a barb or an ulterior meaning involved…

                    And the real meaning behind what I said was that in general , there has always been in this country a carry over of British landed gentrification. Colonization.

                    Hence the bogus reasons for war in the Waikato used as an excuse to confiscate Maori lands to open up to European settlement. A bogus war that led the General who led those troops to later resign over the unfairness and immorality of it.

                    That mans name was General Cameron.

                    General Duncan Alexander Cameron.

                    At least he had scruples.

                    Now if recognizing that the political environment of this country from its very beginnings and conception has rigged this system up for the moneyed classes and you find my comments ‘ bi – partisan’ – then guilty as charged according to you.

                    And just because Labour and National HAVE BOTH participated in the neo liberal hijacking of NZ and I call them both out for doing it doesn’t make me bi partisan.

                    It makes me a social democratic nationalist.

                    Comprende’ Senor?

                    And btw – I’m not , and have never been , interested in your petty game of points scoring.

                    I just don’t like neo liberals and their lying bullshit no matter who they are.

                    Nor do I trust them.

      • cleangreen 1.1.2
        7 March 2018 at 11:48 am

        They looked jaded and too “old school” that all the old wood now has to go period, but start with other older nasty arrogant ‘similar characters such as; – David Carter, David Bennett, Gerry Brownlee, Maggie Barry, Nick Smith; – just for starters please.

    • WILD KATIPO 1.2
      7 March 2018 at 8:28 am

      Hear hear to that !

      NO ONE outsmarts the Silver Fox. And anyone who thinks they can, should know better than that.

  2. Sacha 2
    7 March 2018 at 8:18 am

    Nuck Smith has lost his protector Mr English but is likely to cling to his electorate rather than going gracefully.

  3. WILD KATIPO 3
    7 March 2018 at 8:27 am

    Well the wolves are howling at the door and now a new force has been unleashed,… its called the ‘Hooton Effect’.

    The old power structure is crumbling. So we will see a new crop installed. In other parlance , it would be called a coup of sorts. Now the interesting thing is , will this new line up be steered more towards the hard line…

    All I know is,… there is a comedy for all occasions. And anything to do with the National party is always rich in material ,- despite that humour sometimes having to digress into ‘ black’ humour, sadly…

    This is what is currently taking place within National…

    Monty Pythons – Meaning of Life – The Crimson Permanent Assurance …
    the crimson permanent assurance full version youtube▶ 2:29

  4. mac1 4
    7 March 2018 at 8:33 am

    Is this how they roll them, then?

    They all know where are stacked the skeletons, so a wee word in Hooton’s ear, as they used to do with Slater and Farrar? Then, a piece in a paper, or blog, or threat of same.

    Dis-memberment it’s called. The removal of unwanted parts of National’s body politic. It’s how you get skeletons, after all.

    Or miraculous reincarnations as new political parties………..

    ‘First Joyce’, or the ‘Gerrymandering Party’, maybe ‘Ourselves Alone’ founded by Todd Barclay , or the ‘Born-To-Rulers’ of Aaron Gilmore, and even Nick Smith’s ‘Anvilomentalist’ Party.

    • WILD KATIPO 4.1
      7 March 2018 at 8:42 am

      Ahhh yes,… I think what we are all interested in is the new shape of this ‘rejuvenated ‘ National. Whats their game ? What are they up to ? Where does Hooton fit in to all of this ?

      These and other questions keep us up late at night and wondering what we will have for breakfast the next morning.

      Methinks the answer is to take a walk down memory lane and carefully take note of Hootons ideology and past statements and loyalties. Because the cards are more or less stacking up how he always wanted them to. From there we can establish the ‘flavor’ of this new and slightly less than shining ensemble.

      Just what is it that the NZ Initiatives mouthpiece is angling for , here ?

  5. Tricledrown 5
    7 March 2018 at 9:10 am

    Who ever leaked Winstons over payment had this scenario in mind they could not wait another 3 years .
    So let’s take a sweepstake on who leaked,who had the most to gain or would that be a bridge to far.
    Who is going to be Nationals new spin machine/dirty politics Dark arts maelstro
    McCully,Joyce………Collins.

    • WILD KATIPO 5.1
      7 March 2018 at 9:20 am

      Very , very shrewd observations , … so we have an aspirant dissatisfied with the direction the National party is taking under Key, English and Joyce… a ‘mole’ , no less…

      And that mole would need to be well connected , have a definite ideological base, and have a sound knowledge of the ideological bent of all the main power players… and yet distanced enough that they are not pilloried and blacklisted… and to do that , they would need to have sympathizers, to have those on board , as it were… within National.

      Who , oh who ,… would fit that bill ???

      You get two guesses.

    • JO 5.2
      7 March 2018 at 10:24 am

      maestro -> maelstro -> maelstrom?

    • patricia bremner 5.3
      7 March 2018 at 3:02 pm

      Bennett. She has kept her place and had the knowledge.

  6. Puckish Rogue 6
    7 March 2018 at 9:19 am

    “Agnes Loheni, a token Samoan candidate”

    Gee Mickey could you be any more patronising?

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11274930

    She sounds like shes quite switched on but hey I guess you think shes in the wrong party…

    • WILD KATIPO 6.1
      7 March 2018 at 9:40 am

      You need to lighten up .

      Here’s one for you . Analogous to the National party.

      The Goodies – Gymnasium Scene – YouTube
      the goodies gymnasium▶ 4:05

      • cleangreen 6.1.1
        7 March 2018 at 11:50 am

        LOL 100% Wild Katipo.

      • greywarshark 6.1.2
        7 March 2018 at 5:18 pm

        That was amazing – ACC must use it for don’t do this at your gym advice video.
        Beautifully timed moves, and then speeded up.

    • mac1 6.2
      7 March 2018 at 9:40 am

      From PR’s linked article.

      “Ask yourself, ‘why would anyone want to buy my product?’ Understanding the answers to this question will hopefully help identify whether your product is something people want to buy rather than what you want to sell. And don’t worry about trying to build your brand before you start. The key is to have a product you can sell first. You can build the brand from the ground up as you grow your business.”

      Good advice for the National Party. “Why would anyone buy my product?”

      Voters asked that question. The answer is becoming more manifest.

      • Ka 6.2.1
        7 March 2018 at 12:29 pm

        But then Hoskings is enthusiastically selling the message that the coalition are the “tax and spend” experts quote: “like all left wing govts……” and “mark my words”. His prophecies of heavier borrowing, increased taxes and “giving it all away” are appealing to the vacuous swing voters that National need to put the fear into to have any chance of a show at the next election. Its “show me the money” time again.

      • Kat 6.2.2
        7 March 2018 at 12:31 pm

        But then Hoskings is enthusiastically selling the message that the coalition are the “tax and spend” experts, quote: “like all left wing govts……” and “mark my words”. His prophecies of heavier borrowing, increased taxes and “giving it all away” are appealing to the vacuous swing voters that National need to put the fear into to have any chance of a show at the next election. Its “show me the money” time again.

        • KJT 6.2.2.1
          10 March 2018 at 1:39 pm

          Hoskings objection is that, unlike National, Labour are not taxing and borrowing to enrich his mates.

  7. Ad 7
    7 March 2018 at 9:25 am

    All of this is pretty perplexing given that under Key there had been multiple “refresh” stages, “retirements”, and sundry exists before and after the list formation.

    This team should be fresh and lean, full of hot attack lines.

    Labour is hardly as pure as the driven snow on this. They have precisely the opposite problem of being too internally sclerotic to renew, and unwilling to nurture and protect new talent coming through, while not finding good jobs for the older ones to retire to that would accelerate the whole process.

    But National had a really good election result for a government 9 straight terms in. There is no reason to go all House of Lannister on their asses internally.

    It tells me that without Key and the primary steadying force (similar to loss of Clark and Cullen), they are simply drifting around without a steadying disciplinary core, and will continue to do so.

    • mauī 7.1
      7 March 2018 at 9:43 am

      Touch your forehead
      Touch the base of your sternum
      Touch the left side of your chest
      Touch the right side of your chest

      As you cross yourself, say, whisper, or think: “Strong and stable.”

    • WILD KATIPO 7.2
      7 March 2018 at 9:52 am

      …” All of this is pretty perplexing given that under Key there had been multiple “refresh” stages, “retirements”, and sundry exists before and after the list formation”…

      * National also had many embarrassing scandals it needed to constantly cover for. Fundamentally because they harbored so much skulduggery it was bound to start leaking in divers places.

      … ” But National had a really good election result for a government 9 straight terms in. There is no reason to go all House of Lannister on their asses internally ” …

      * National also imported much of its guaranteed vote ie : The Blue Dragons. And it is a continuing millstone around their neck now that the cats out of the bag ; having a Chinese national who was a lecturer in a military establishment training China’s spy’s as an MP ?!!? Notwithstanding the obvious many business connections with Mainland China among so many of them which means National are in it up to their necks with regards conflicts of interest.

      Then of course they practiced divisive politics and encouraged a runaway out of control housing bubble pandering to the middle classes, – with the resulting massive social problems left in its wake. And to demonize those affected by their policy’s they slashed welfare, curtailed Union activity and demolished state housing , health and education. And all with the promise of tax cuts for the well off.

      So yes , you are right in that :

      ” without Key and the primary steadying force (similar to loss of Clark and Cullen), they are simply drifting around without a steadying disciplinary core, and will continue to do so ” …

  8. adam 8
    7 March 2018 at 9:51 am

    I’m picking Hekia Parata, no wait…

    She got a haircut.

  9. Cinny 9
    7 March 2018 at 10:39 am

    Looking at the list MP’s… I’d say the following…

    david carter, chris finlayson, nicky wagner.

    electorate mps that should go are brownlee, bennet and smith.

    I think with electorate MP’s it depends on their ego once simon announces his reshuffle.

    Makes me wonder who would stand for the nats in their place if there were byelections. Have any of them groomed someone to take over, or do they assume they will be there forever?

    • ianmac 9.1
      7 March 2018 at 11:06 am

      Steady on Cinny. Do we really want a refreshed innovative Opposition? Lets keep all the old hands ageing gracefully and impotently. 🙂

    • paul andersen 9.2
      7 March 2018 at 11:23 am

      if smith retires , the nelson byelection could cause a boil-over. the greens are very strong there, and a green electorate m.p. would give them the backstop they need. remind anyone of epsom?

      • Cinny 9.2.1
        7 March 2018 at 12:26 pm

        Ian 🙂 you make me laugh 🙂

        Paul, I think that Rachel Boyack will take out Nelson next election, she was so close this time. Greens are very strong in Nelson, but I don’t think Matt Lawrey was the correct choice (he should stand for mayor instead, he’s already on the council), Nelsonians are a fickle bunch, one thing is for sure nick smith can kiss that seat goodbye in 2020.

      • prickles 9.2.2
        7 March 2018 at 3:24 pm

        Matt Lawrey will never be elected in Nelson – he has stood on too many toes. It will be Rachel for sure. Those who change their vote from National might just be able to vote for Rachel – but for Matt? Not a chance. Unless he changes his own allegiances and joins National of course. He wouldn’t be out of place in those realms.

        There will be many of us very pleased to see the back of Nick though.

        • Ms Fargo 9.2.2.1
          7 March 2018 at 5:00 pm

          Reece….

          • greywarshark 9.2.2.1.1
            7 March 2018 at 5:09 pm

            Yes Rachel Reece Nelson’s Mayor I imagine is what is intended. What in particular is Matt’s failure/s? He seems very cocksure, but that is all I see.

  10. cleangreen 10
    7 March 2018 at 11:51 am

    Yes we want a revolution to begin in nelson please Nick walk the plank now for your country.

  11. Ad 11
    7 March 2018 at 12:29 pm

    Adams for Finance.

    Fuck me Grant Robertson just got a free ride for a couple of terms.

    • veutoviper 11.1
      7 March 2018 at 2:34 pm

      Love this decision making by Bridges!

      Adams for Finance – Collins will love that one, not.

      This gets better by the day.

  12. mac1 12
    7 March 2018 at 1:42 pm

    For me, the appointment of Amy Adams is not the biggest issue, though of course important.

    Why did Bridges appoint the Finance spokesperson and announce it before the rest? Are there firstly messages being given to MPs who thought themselves contenders for the finance post that they are not wanted for it and maybe it’s time to go, and secondly, time is being given for that message to sink in, before the announcement of the rest of the portfolios.

    Better to get rid of the grumpies before portfolio announcement time, and see off some of the old guard by allowing them time to announce their own departure, before they suffer the belittlement of demotion.

    As with Joyce. He got offered any job but the one he wanted, the one that would have kept him.

    • patricia bremner 12.1
      7 March 2018 at 3:41 pm

      Who cares? They can all go via a rubbish skip as far as I’m concerned. I agree with Winston. They will not get a gracious farewell from me.

      Never has NZ had such a self serving bunch of so called representatives. The harm they have caused, and are still causing, will take this current Government a great deal of mahi and skill to overcome.

      The choices so far show National going to their conservative base. Catholic, business,
      old money, property and class.

      Amy Adams will be another Ruth Richardson with Bridges, and people will be amazed how Bennett will hang on. She knows too much? From English?

      Not one of those three show empathy and vindicate their attitudes as worthiness.
      Their Government would make Key’s look kind.!!

  13. Sparky 13
    7 March 2018 at 1:46 pm

    I’d be surprised come next election if the current mob don’t find themselves in a similar position to Germany. No clear winners due to voters who feel disenfranchised and the TPP11 making any govt less relevant.

    As to the Nats I think they are indeed on the back foot but that’s due to a lack of remaining partners not anything remarkable about this coalition……

    In any case given they all seem so alike I suspect voters (those who feel the 3 yearly farce still has any meaning) will start to swing between them so its anyone’s guess what a post 2020 govt’s composition will look like.

    • red-blooded 13.1
      7 March 2018 at 10:10 pm

      Sparky, how do you see the CPTTP making the government less relevant? And do you really think that so many people feel so very indignant about it that they’ll change their votes on this basis, 2 1/2 years from now? Not many people are single issue voters.

  14. DRUM 14
    7 March 2018 at 1:58 pm

    Brownlie resign?….I doubt it…what would be do, go back to teaching woodwork?

    • mac1 14.1
      7 March 2018 at 2:39 pm

      Help build those much needed houses? Carpenters required. Just stipulate single stories only, without stair cases.

  15. Tanz 15
    7 March 2018 at 3:13 pm

    With NZ First at three percent of the vote, and the Greens only on five percent, next election could be any ones. It will be a drag race of FPP style, with only four contenders, if that. So don’t count your chickens yet. Also, already the govt is not fronting up to media for questions, such a bad look. Open and transparent, not. National look like a govt in waiting, huge talent, whilst Labour are dodging and hiding their ministers. Makes me miss the Clark era, at least she knew what she was doing, and unlike Ardern, she never tried to control the narrative to media. Even in the House, Winston keeps covering for Ardern, which speaks volumes. Joe Public is already picking up on how unprepared and inept this appointed govt is.

    • patricia bremner 15.1
      7 March 2018 at 3:51 pm

      Both these Ministers are out of the country, as is Bridges. So much hot air as usual Tanz LOL.

      • Tanz 15.1.1
        7 March 2018 at 4:02 pm

        No, Ardern said she would only front on ZB if the questions were about the Pacific only, and Kelvin Davis said he would only front if he had the questions first. Looks very controlling, and not at all ‘open and transparent’. Maybe because there is no substance behind the massive and often spouted rhetoric?? I’ve never heard a PM utter such a lot of mumbo jumbo, ever. Very out of her depth. Who are the real puppet masters??

        • cleangreen 15.1.1.1
          7 March 2018 at 6:36 pm

          Nah you are a broken clock spring there.

          Tick tock – bing!!!!

          “grasping at straws are you Tanz.

          don’t walk backwards down that $11.7 billion dollar hole.

    • Gabby 15.2
      7 March 2018 at 5:34 pm

      never tried to control the narrative to media?
      Ok…

    • Jess NZ 15.3
      7 March 2018 at 5:38 pm

      ‘With NZ First at three percent of the vote, and the Greens only on five percent, next election could be any ones.’
      Take your own advice and don’t count those chickens yet! There’s a lot of rugby left to be played before the next election…

    • Grey Area 15.4
      7 March 2018 at 6:55 pm

      Another delusional transmission from Planet Key.

  16. Bea Brown 16
    7 March 2018 at 3:58 pm

    Why is it only this site and Labour MPs who jeer at Brownlee for being a teacher. I was one too and it always makes me shudder. Labour surely is on the side of teachers and nurses?

    • mac1 16.1
      7 March 2018 at 4:29 pm

      We’re not jeering at Brownlee for being a teacher. If he left politics, that would be an option. But would he be good enough to be a teacher again?

      Things have changed. Teachers are supposed to be good citizens.

      “Gerry Brownlee insists he wasn’t seeking preferential treatment because he’s a Cabinet minister, after being fined $2000 for breaching airport rules when he bypassed security to board a domestic flight.”

      “The claim of assault and damages against the MP arose after the National Party’s election campaign launch in 1999 at Eden Park.
      Mr Abel said he feared for his life when he heard Mr Brownlee threaten to throw him down a marble staircase after he had been ejected from the launch.
      He was awarded $8500 in damages by Judge Frederick McElrea.”

      And more! http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10306756/Top-10-Gerry-Brownlee-gaffes

    • Cinny 16.2
      7 March 2018 at 7:43 pm

      Hey Bea, I respect good teachers so much, they are super important, most of my family works in the education sector.

      A friend of mine was a student of brownlees, apparently he spent more time reading and debating politics than teaching woodwork, was also told that brownlee would bully the young lads.

  17. Stuart Munro 17
    7 March 2018 at 4:58 pm

    Gerry and Nick – not assets to any government or opposition. And EQC and southern response are finally getting investigated, by reporters if not by the fraud squad. Nick is just useless – bound to be replaced by some assistant crawler working their way up to be a senior bastard.

  18. cleangreen 18
    7 March 2018 at 6:41 pm

    I reckon another couple of oldies that needs to go is Johnathon Coleman and Bret Hudson as they are another liability to drag the natZ down.

    • Grey Area 18.1
      7 March 2018 at 6:45 pm

      Nah. Let them stay as long as they like.

    • AB 18.2
      7 March 2018 at 9:55 pm

      Jonathan Coleman is not old, he just seems that way. A miserable, joyless fellow bent on consigning his social inferiors to endless austerity.