Key protagonists deny National leadership tensions

John Key

Tension has flared within National's ranks, with a senior MP claiming the caucus is furious with John Key for fanning speculation over the leadership.

But several other MPs, including leader Don Brash, have denied the claim, which itself frayed tempers - particularly Mr Key's - yesterday.

In another sign that the talk is rattling the party, Dr Brash revealed that Mr Key had on Thursday given him another assurance that he had no plans to challenge him.

Mr Key said he felt Dr Brash was entitled to it, given the stories being run, although the leader told him it was unnecessary.

The Herald's source said the caucus was "very, very angry" the leadership question was dogging the party again and believed Mr Key and other Auckland supporters were fuelling the stories.

"A number of people would have conveyed that they are very unhappy about the whole deal."

It was being made clear to Mr Key that the caucus would not tolerate a "campaign of destabilisation", said the senior MP, who is not the first to use that phrase in regard to Mr Key.

But a number of other MPs said yesterday that the speculation was media-driven and Mr Key was dealing with it as best as he could.

Dr Brash said he was "absolutely" happy with Mr Key's handling of the situation.

The pair had met on Thursday.

"We discussed the [press] gallery speculation, but he made it very clear to me that he was not challenging the leadership and not going to ... and I believe him. John and I remain on very good terms."

An annoyed Mr Key said yesterday that there was no foundation to the allegations.

"I have very publicly on dozens of occasions outlined my unconditional support for him. I've actively worked hard and will continue to work hard to ensure that he is a very successful leader."

It was unfortunate the speculation had irritated some in caucus "but it's been nothing of my doing".

Mr Key was accused of snubbing and attempting to upstage Dr Brash with his "late" arrival at Orewa on Tuesday for the leader's speech.

He said he drove to the wrong end of Orewa, but still arrived an hour before the speech was delivered.

"In hindsight it's unfortunate that that interpretation has been put on it, but it wasn't intended that way.

"Frankly, even if I had been there two hours earlier, given the fact there had been media speculation, given the fact that a significant part of the speech was addressing Don's commitment to be the leader into the next election, there would always have been cameras pointed at me anyway.

"I have an immensely strong relationship with Don. I don't think I've ever made a public or a private comment that would indicate anything other than my support of him," said Mr Key.

"There is a 21-year age differential between us and, like all political parties, of course, one day a long time into the future there will be a change. Whether I'm a serious contender those many, many years down the track when it happens, who knows?"

Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson said the so-called anger with Mr Key must be "limited to the person who's told you [the Herald] because I don't think John Key is doing anything other than is expected of him".

Questions on leadership aspirations always put MPs in a "dreadful position", said Mr Williamson.

Most MPs aspired to eventual leadership or deputy leadership jobs.

It was therefore impossible to rule out ever wanting them, but this in turn sometimes created the wrong impression.