Three MPs, including the deputy leader, put their hand up on Tuesday to be New Zealand’s next prime minister following the bombshell resignation of the popular John Key.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman both confirmed they would contest the leadership following a government caucus meeting, with Police Minister Judith Collins throwing her hat in the ring about two hours later.
Three-term leader Key endorsed English as his successor after announcing Monday he was stepping down to spend more time with his family. The National Party is expected to vote on its new leader next week, ahead of the country going to the polls next year.
The 54-year-old English, from a farming background, lacks the charisma of the affable Key but is recognised as the economic brain who guided the centre-right administration through the global financial crisis. “I am announcing today that I will be a candidate for the leadership of the National Party,” English said. “I can see fantastic opportunities for stronger economic performance, for spreading the benefits of growth for all New Zealanders and for getting stuck into some of our most retractable social problems.”
Although snap polls in local news media supported Key’s decision to back his long-time deputy, the 50-year-old Coleman said it was time for a change.