UPDATED 8.58AM: The selection of Paula Bennett as National's new deputy leader will likely give an air of freshness and inclusivity to the party of government, a political analyst claims.

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Caucus is expected to endorse Bennett as second-in-charge to Bill English, who will become New Zealand's 39th Prime Minister on Monday when John Key officially steps down after after eight years in power.

Bennett was effectively anointed as English's deputy yesterday after her rival for the job, Simon Bridges, withdrew because it was clear Bennett would get the votes needed.

The new leadership pairing are expected to reveal a new cabinet line-up before the Christmas break, with a reshuffle on the cards.

Dr Bryce Edwards, political commentator formerly of Otago University, points out that Bennett and English come from different backgrounds, but he believes the combination will work well.

"Paula Bennett isn't someone that's going to slide into the shadows - she's someone that's going to be quite colourful and quite vocal," Edwards said. "I think that's probably good for National and good for the Government because Bill English isn't the most charismatic leader."

Bennett grew up in Taupo, had her first child at the age of 17, and lived for a while on the domestic purposes benefit.

She moved to Auckland to attend university, went on to win the seat of Waitakere in her second attempt in 2008, and was appointed Social Development Minister in just her second term in Parliament. Bennett has been working closely with English in her latest role as Associate Finance Minister.

Dr Bryce Edwards argues Bennett has been seen as the future of the National Party for some time.

"Gone are the days when the National Party was just an old white man's party - now it wants to project itself as inclusive of lots of different ethnicities and of women, so I think she is the modern face of National."