KEY POINTS:
National leader Don Brash leaves for London today confident that his caucus will not move against his leadership in the week that he is away.
Commenting for the first time on a weekend poll (TV3-TNS) that indicates finance spokesman John Key is a more popular choice than him as leader among National supporters, Dr Brash said: "I'm quite relaxed about that."
The poll of about 400 National supporters showed that 42 per cent believed Mr Key would be best to lead the party into the next election compared with 38 per cent for Dr Brash.
Dr Brash is to attend the unveiling of a New Zealand war memorial in Hyde Park on Armistice Day.
He said he had sought no assurances from colleagues in his absence.
"I don't sense any mood in caucus for a change."
Dr Brash will join Prime Minister Helen Clark for the Hyde Park ceremony, which will be attended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Queen.
Helen Clark will travel on to Europe where she will meet the leaders of Germany, France and Italy, before heading to the Apec summit in Hanoi next week.
The $3 million New Zealand Memorial commemorates the bonds between Britain and New Zealand and the losses the countries had during wars.
A contingent, including 32 veterans, MPs and more than 250 defence force personnel, has left for the dedication ceremony.
Helen Clark said she would have talks with Mr Blair, including on climate change policy in response to the Stern report.
In Germany, Helen Clark will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel for the first time. Their talks would cover trade and science.
A meeting will also be held with French President Jacques Chirac, with talks expected on the South Pacific and the recent Pacific Islands Forum.
Helen Clark will also meet Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi in Rome.
- NZPA, staff reporter
