Tauranga MP Simon Bridges rubbishes leadership change speculation

Regional Content Leader·Bay of Plenty Times·

2 Feb, 2018 03:10 AM2 mins to read

National leader Bill English says Labour had offered a briefing just before the targets were released but he was yet to see what was in it and there had been no consultation on the details in it.

Simon Bridges says speculation he may soon replace Bill English as leader of the National Party is "rubbish".

The Tauranga MP said he was "brushing off" this week's media reports about murmurings in the National caucus of a coming change in party leadership, many naming him as a potential leader.

"I think it's rubbish. Bill English and Paula Bennett have the strong support of our caucus," Bridges said.

"It's a great, united team that is focused on doing a good job in opposition."

Bridges said he hoped English and his deputy Bennett stayed in their roles "for a long time to come".

"I hope he doesn't [step down], I hope he sees us through to the next election."

Party leadership was not something Bridges was "pursuing" and he was enjoying being Opposition Leader of the House.

"I'm very happy with where I'm at and I don't want to change."

Simon Bridges and Bill English cuddle kittens during a visit to Kitten Inn at Lower Hutt. Photo/Mark Mitchell

The Tauranga MP is preparing to host the 56 members of the National Party caucus for a two-day "retreat" in Tauranga from Thursday next week.

It was the first getaway National's MPs had taken together since the party was elected to Government in 2008.

Bridges said it was a chance for MPs to hang out - walking up Mount Maunganui, getting breakfast - as well as strategise.

Simon Bridges, Jonathan Coleman, Bill English and Paula Bennett. Photo/Michael Craig

"The caucus will be thinking about how to sensibly oppose bad things the Government is doing as well as propose new things to make New Zealand even better than it is."

Bridges said he hoped the visit would be a chance for those MPs who still thought of Tauranga as the home of the "newly wed and nearly dead" to see the city anew.

"They are going to get a surprise when they realise what a funky, exciting city it has become."