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National presents united front at caucus retreat

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 8 Feb 2018, 4:41PM
The National Party are on a two day retreat in Tauranga. (Photo / NZ Herald)
The National Party are on a two day retreat in Tauranga. (Photo / NZ Herald)

National presents united front at caucus retreat

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 8 Feb 2018, 4:41PM

All eyes are on the next election, or so say leading lights in the National Party.

The party has gathered in Tauranga for a two day retreat that has been marred by reports that the leadership is under threat.

There are new reports that several MP's are considering quitting, and the party has brought the next four candidates on the party list along to the meeting.

However, Bill English is playing down speculation that some of his MPs are thinking about quitting.

English says he doesn't know of anyone thinking about moving on and says the potential list MPs are there in case it happens.

"It just makes sure that everyone knows what's going on. Party officials, people who may or may not entering parliament during the term of office."

Those who could potential topple English for the leadership say they are not planning anything.

READ MORE:
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Former leadership contender Simon Bridges says he's happy with the way things are when it comes to who's in charge.

"Any government and we were a government of course for nine years, doesn't get everything right and will need to evolve with the times. But we can definitely do it with our current leadership."

Judith Collins also says she's not about to move on.

"I really enjoy what I do and I love the fact that even though we are in the opposition we have been given so much rein to go after this completely useless Labour, Greens, New Zealand First government."

Dr Jonathan Coleman, who also put his hand up for leadership, says they're looking to the future not the past.

"We've got a great platform. We did very well at the last election and I think we've got a great chance of winning in 2020 and that's what we're talking about here today."

Nicola Willis, who looked set to enter Parliament before the special votes were counted, is also attending the meeting.

She says she's happy where she is for the time being.

"I'm in no rush, there's lots of ways to contribute to the National Party and I'll certainly be continuing to do that over the next little while. And if I do get to enter parliament that will be a wonderful opportunity."

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