The rhetoric shifted the next day.
Mr English confirmed he was going for the top job, as did Crusher, I mean Police Minister Judith Collins and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.
The trio jostled for the media's attention to voice why they should be the next prime minister.
Mr Coleman promised a fresh face, Mr English stability and Ms Collins well, she just wanted the job.
As this was playing out four officers were sitting through hours of evidence on how they conducted themselves during an arrest.
The prosecutor said that firing Tasers and setting dogs on the large man, who they believed to have been armed, was excessive.
Their lawyers argued it was justified when approaching a seemingly dangerous man who had just attacked his elderly father. The prosecutor picked apart their decisions with the clarity of hindsight.
They were still unsure of their fate when it became clear who Key's successor would be. Mr Coleman and Ms Collins pulled out of the race when they realised Mr English had the numbers.
It took just four days to redirect the leadership of our country but nine days for the officers to have their names cleared.
While they will be relieved at the not guilty verdict they must now go through an internal investigation while also waiting for the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Putting these checks and balances in place ensures the professionalism and maintains our faith in the force.