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Bill English: Don't expect change for the sake of change

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Tue, 13 Dec 2016, 8:25AM
Bill English was sworn in as New Zealand's 39th Prime Minister yesterday (NZH)

Bill English: Don't expect change for the sake of change

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Tue, 13 Dec 2016, 8:25AM

New Zealand's new Prime Minister is playing coy over who'll be in his new Cabinet.

Bill English won't be drawn on whether close friend Nick Smith will go, despite rumours he might be one to chop. Mr English has indicated he'll have a line-up of sorts to announce before Christmas.

He told Mike Hosking there will be some change, but it'll be more of a shift of skills than an overhaul.

"It's not change for the sake of change, I mean this is a Government that's been delivering results for people, that's why it has pretty good levels of public support."

Mr English said he's not concerned about whether his party's popularity will take a hit as a result of his leadership. He said he's not put any thought to the polls that will be released following his appointment.

He said the National Party has done well in dealing with a surprise leadership change, and believes the public agrees.

"I think the public are generally pretty happy with the way that's happened and the result of it, and now we've got to get on the job, and if we keep delivering then the support will remain," he said.

LISTEN ABOVE AS NEW PRIME MINISTER BILL ENGLISH SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING

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