November 30 2021
Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis are the "reset" the National Party and New Zealand needs. This was the message during Luxon's first press conference as National leader.
Former National Party leaders say Christopher Luxon will provide a much-needed fresh start for the party and present a credible challenge to Labour, but his lack of political experience will be "a challenge".
The party today elected Luxon leader and Nicola Willis deputy.
It has been a turbid few days for the party, with former leader Judith Collins ousted on Thursday after her dramatic demotion of another former leader Simon Bridges.
Luxon's election was confirmed at 3.30pm, shortly after Bridges announced he had dropped out of the race.
Brash had backed Bridges, who he said had been "impressive".
"I hope he got a strong position."
New National leader Christopher Luxon and deputy leader Nicola Willis. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Former National Party prime minister Jim Bolger said he thought Luxon was a good choice and would give the party a fresh start.
"He has a lot of experience managing big organisations and big teams," said Bolger, party leader from 1986 to 1997 and prime minister 1990 to 1997.
"I think the party now has a chance to restart their programme, go forward with new initiatives and policies.
"It is two years until the next election. They are a new team, they have plenty of time to put together a compelling opposition."
Former National Party leader and Prime Minister Jim Bolger. Photo / Claire Trevett
On Sunday Bolger told Q+A the National Party was "disappointing", and had to reimagine capitalism because social inequality is pushing countries towards revolution.
Bolger repeated the statement to the Herald, saying he hoped Luxon was the person for the job.
"Not only New Zealand but the world needs to think about it. It would be foolish to think this is the perfect model."