Brownlee fears raised by National MPs

Senior National Party figures have raised doubts about the suitability and performance of Gerry Brownlee as deputy leader, after his handling of several high-profile incidents.

The concerns from senior National MPs come after a week that saw Mr Brownlee under fire for saying he had lost faith in Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright during the post-election coalition negotiation period.

However, his tenure as leader Don Brash's second-in-command seems secure, thanks to the lack of any caucus faction actively seeking to roll him.

Dr Brash told TV One's Agenda yesterday he had total confidence in Mr Brownlee, whom he described as "a first class deputy leader who has my full support".

However, senior party sources told the Herald on Sunday that a significant proportion of experienced MPs no longer felt he was up to the job.

While there were no calls to dump him as deputy leader, sources said, confidence in Mr Brownlee had declined.

While Mr Brownlee had good political instincts and was often witty and forceful in Parliament, his work rate was questionable, sources said.

However, Mr Brownlee still has significant support within the caucus, with a majority of National MPs approached by the Herald on Sunday expressing their faith in him, both as Dr Brash's number two and as shadow leader of the House.

Former party president Michelle Boag also praised Mr Brownlee's performance, saying criticism of him was "a storm in a teacup" and his comments about the Governor-General were "no big deal".

Mr Brownlee rubbished suggestions his colleagues were dissatisfied with him.

"I don't believe we have got anybody so weak in the National Party caucus that they wouldn't be able to tell me these concerns themselves, rather than talking to the media," he said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY