Megan Campbell said to be new National Party chief of staff

Megan Campbell is said to the new chief of staff for new National Party leader Todd Muller. Photo / Mike Walen.

A lobbyist who previously worked for the party in opposition is said to have been lined up to be chief of staff for new National Party leader Todd Muller.

National Party sources say Megan Campbell, who previously worked at Wellington lobbying firm Saunders Unsworth as well as Curia, the polling firm used by the National Party, will be appointed to the role.

Veteran MP Gerry Brownlee is tipped to be campaign chairman for the September 19 election, a position to be decided by the National Party board. Previously deputy leader Paula Bennett held the role.

A change of leadership typically throws the employment of any staff employed in the party leader's office into doubt.

Simon Bridges' chief of staff was Jamie Gray, a former public servant who became an adviser in the former Energy Minister's office.

When former Prime Minister Sir Bill English entered opposition he appointed his former senior press secretary Craig Howie as his chief of staff.

Muller would be expected to fill his office with a mixture of existing National Party staff and his own appointments.

Up to 10 are expected to resign or lose their jobs as a result of the change in leadership.

Gray and chief press secretary Rachel Morton, a former television journalist, are believed to be leaving.

Campbell was in Wellington this week meeting the new National Party leadership, several people said. She previously worked for the National Party, including as its head of research between 2000 and 2003, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Over the weekend Campbell updated her LinkedIn profile to mention charitable positions she holds. She also serves as a director of Sport Waikato.

In 2019 she was named as the Institute of Directors Waikato branch emerging director of the year.

During her time in lobbying, Campbell is said to have played a behind the scenes role in helping secure support for legislation which allowed gay marriage.

Former Green Party MP Kevin Hague described Campbell as "very smart, stategic and valued-driven".

Muller declined to comment on the appointments to the Herald, saying he expected to be announcing changes under his leadership on Monday.

Lobbyist and political commentator, Matthew Hooton, also a former National Party staffer is also said to be lined up for a role, with suggestions on Sunday that it would be strategic communications advice.

So far Muller's only announcement has been that he will be taking on the small business portfolio and intends to continue in that role as Minister for Small Business should he become Prime Minister.