KEY POINTS:
National's new deputy leader Bill English has acknowledged he is unlikely to lead the party again.
Mr English had been touted as a potential challenger to former leader Don Brash but said yesterday he realised he was better suited to a different role.
"It was a possibility. There were people who wanted me to do that, but it became clear, probably over recent months really, that that wasn't going to be a viable option and I accept that," he said on National Radio.
"I've been in politics long enough to know that ambition for the sake of it can be destructive and divisive."
Mr English said he did not think he would be leader again. "I think that's unlikely now. This is a permanent and stable leadership."
He said he expected it would be in place through the next election and a couple of elections after that.
He said his strengths were his parliamentary, policy and party skills, while Mr Key had strong public appeal.
- NZPA