July 14, 2020
Women to the fore in party top fight
A former National MP is picking a female leadership team to emerge from tonight’s caucus.
National Party MPs returned to parliament this afternoon to pick a replacement for Todd Muller, who resigned this morning citing health reasons.
Claudette Hauiti says Mr Muller prided himself on being open, honest and transparent, but that was put to the test with the COVID-19 patient list leak saga involving at least two of his MPs and former party president Michelle Boag.
She says while some in the media are saying it’s time for Papakura MP Judith Collins to be given a chance, current deputy leader Nikki Kaye is the most likely pick.
"If I was Judith I would wait until after the election. Now is not a good time to raise your hand and lead the party. I would keep Nikki Kaye there and bring in Amy Adams or Mr Fix-it, Gerry Brownlee perhaps," she says.
Claudette Hauiti says the turmoil at the top could make some National-held seats like Northcote even more marginal.
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