Senior National MPs Nikki Kaye and Amy Adams are quitting politics, creating a massive headache for new leader Judith Collins.
National MPs have been left blindsided for the second time in a week, following Todd Muller's resignation on Tuesday.
Collins is due to announce this morning what was planned to be a "minor" reshuffle - now she has to scramble to replace two experienced MPs who were former ministers in the last National administration.
In a statement, Collins thanked Kaye and Adams. "Nikki and Amy have both made incredible contributions at very senior levels with consistent dedication to their work and to their constituencies. I wish them the very best for the future."
Adams told Newstalk ZB that she decided to quit after Collins offered her a role that she was not keen on.
However Collins had her full support, saying "she has a different approach."
"The party is in good hands," Adams said.
Earlier today in a statement Adams said she would not accept a ranking on the National Party list.
"Last year I made the decision that I would retire at this election and accordingly I did not seek nomination for the seat of Selwyn that I have held for 12 years. In May I was asked to stay on as a list only candidate and take on the role of co-ordinating our Covid-19 Recovery policy framework," she said in a statement.
"As I said at that time I decided to stay because with the scale of challenges the country was facing, I saw being able to contribute in this way as an honour and a role I could not turn down.
"With Todd Muller's decision to resign the leadership the most important issue for our party was to get a strong and effective leadership team in place without delay and I am proud at the way in which the caucus managed this. I am in no doubt that in Judith Collins we have the right leader for the challenges ahead and Judith and the team have my full support.
"My time as an MP for the National Party and as the MP for Selwyn has been an honour and a privilege and I remain humbled and grateful at the opportunity I've had to serve this country."
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