Bad news for Judith Collins to deal with this morning on day two as National Party leader.
Nikki Kaye quits is the headline on the front page of today's Herald.
It's the last thing the Nats need, after the turmoil of the past couple of weeks, the coup to oust Simon Bridges then Todd Muller's shock resignation.
It felt as though things were settling when Collins and Gerry Brownlee stepped up.
Audrey Young's story this morning suggests several of Nikki Kaye's colleagues tried to get her to change her mind.
But apparently, she's adamant, she'll stay until the election on September 19th.
You wouldn't have picked this from what she said on social media, right after the leadership contest.
Congratulations to our new leader and deputy, a great team to lead National...praising Collins as a fighter and a fantastic local representative...blah blah blah.
Losing Nikki Kaye isn't just bad timing for National...it's a bad look.
Nikki stormed into Parliament 12 years ago when she beat the lazy incumbent who used to knit in the House of Representatives.
Taking Auckland Central from Labour was about working her butt off in the electorate.
And she's since beaten Jacinda Ardern twice to keep the seat.
She's now 40 and you'd say we're yet to see the best of what Nikki Kaye has to offer in public service.
Sadly, it seems we may never see that.
We'll hear from Judith Collins later in the day...no doubt she'll wish Nikki Kaye well...and she'll put a brave face on things.Â
But I'll bet the person having the feeling greatest regret will be Nikki Kaye herself...probably wishing she'd never had anything to do with Muller.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
