Doubt over whether the new National party leader will even make it to the 2020 election.

Bill English's position will be filled in two weeks, after his resignation yesterday.

Former National party president Michelle Boag told Kate Hawkesby the next leader has a good shot at making an impression against the coalition government..

"I think the key thing will be how the polls react, and like any other party, National still keeps its eyes on what happens in the polls."

She does not expect that current deputy leader Paula Bennett will contest the position.

"I think there's a very good chance Paula Bennett will stay as deputy. In fact, at the moment there is only a leadership ballot open in the caucus."

Boag says the new leader could be any of the other six main contenders, which includes Amy Adams, Simon Bridges and Judith Collins.

LISTEN TO MICHELLE BOAG TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE