Boag to quit in deal with party

By AUDREY YOUNG

National Party president Michelle Boag will resign in three weeks if her arch-critic, Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson, continues to stay quiet about her, the Herald understands.

The three-week period would mark the end of National's internal review of its much-criticised election campaign.

Three party members who are conducting an internal review in the wake of National's 21.08 per cent result were named yesterday.

The team comprises former MP and 1999 campaign director Jeff Grant, Auckland lawyer Denese Henare, who is also the wife of North Shore MP Wayne Mapp, and Auckland businessman Steven Joyce, who withdrew at the last minute as a northern region contender for National's list.

Mr Joyce said he withdrew before the list committee met because he wanted to concentrate on his "Silent Majority" website and spend more time with his family.

The review had already begun to receive written submissions on the campaign.

Michelle Boag will be interviewed by the panel.

Her most likely replacement as president is Central North Island chairwoman Judy Kirk.

Mr Williamson said on Tuesday last week he would continue calling for Michelle Boag's resignation until it was achieved.

But he has fallen silent as part of what is thought to be an understanding that she will go if he shuts up long enough to avoid the appearance that he has forced her to go.

Michelle Boag yesterday called that "total speculation".

"I don't intend to do any deals with him," she said.

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