Former National chief of staff picks Key-Brownlee ticket

National's former chief of staff Richard Long has picked John Key, with Gerry Brownlee as his deputy, to lead the party into the next election.

In a column in today's Dominion-Post newspaper Mr Long said Don Brash was beginning to look like Mr Magoo after a series of public embarrassments.

But he said the leadership change may not happen until next year.

Dr Brash last night attended the opening of Air New Zealand fashion week with wife Je Lan after allegations last week he was having an affair with Business Roundtable vice chairwoman Diane Foreman.

Neither party denied the claim and Dr Brash has said he and Je Lan were trying to save the marriage.

News of the alleged affair has prompted speculation over how long Dr Brash will last at the helm.

Polls have shown support for Dr Brash Long said it was a "sympathy vote" and would not last.

Mr Long said Dr Brash's handling of the affair allegations would have been an "eye-opener" for his new backbenchers and the line that Dr Brash had almost won the election was fraying.

"In fact Dr Brash's frolicking with the Brethren, when many in his caucus would have advised against it, almost certainly was the factor that narrowly lost the day."

Labour was able to make ground after Dr Brash initially denied involvement with the religious sect only to later admit he had met with the religious sect. The Brethren paid for advertising in support of National.

Dr Brash's "slightly goofy naivety" was endearing but bordered on liability.

Other previous gaffes included awkwardly clambering into a stock car during the election campaign and then walking a plank to board a boat -- an image used against him.

"Honest Don is beginning to look like Mr Magoo lacking in political nous and constantly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory."

Long said whatever Dr Brash was being told, senior party members would know a new leader was required.

Dr Brash would not be able to campaign with his wife the way he did at the last election and allegations about his relationship with the Brethren won't go away. Leaked emails would also continue to pop up.

Long said Mr Key was "the leadership candidate straight from central casting and the anointed one" and likely to pip former leader Bill English -- who would be seen as a "retread" to the top job.

At the moment Mr Key was being deliberately held back for fear of denting Dr Brash's ratings, Long said.

Another advantage Mr Key had besides a business background was he was from Auckland.

Mr Brownlee, from Christchurch, would make a good deputy with his political experience and political muscle.

Long picked Mr English as finance minister.

He said a combination of Key, Brownlee and English would see a more moderate approach.

"One thing is for sure, the succession will be carefully handled to avoid a repeat of the effort launched by Dr Brash, without a deputy on the ticket, which brought such turmoil to the party three years ago."

- NZPA