Will it be Bridges or Luxon?: Discussing the Upcoming National Party Leadership Vote w/ David Slack: November 30, 2021

Last week, a vote no confidence was made against Judith Collins as leader of the National Party and she was ousted from the position. Collins' Deputy Dr Shane Reti swiftly took over as interim leader and announced that a new leadership team would be voted on next week. 

The sudden party fall out came after a late night statement from Collins that Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga and previous party leader, had been demoted due to an allegation of serious misconduct by a colleague. This allegation was clarified by Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean who said Bridges had made inappropriate comments five years ago that upset her and Bridges had apologised for this at the time and again on that day. 

Today, Tuesday 30 November, is the day that the National Party is expected to vote on their new leadership team. Reports are suggesting that the competition for the top position is really between Bridges and Christopher Luxon, MP for Botany and ex-CEO for Air New Zealand with a mere two years of political experience.

News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to political commentator David Slack about the National Party fall out last week, the vote expected later today, some of the core candidates, and why Dr Shane Reti is never considered to be in the running for the leadership role. 

UPDATE: Christopher Luxon has been named as the new leader of the National Party, following Simon Bridges withdrawing his ticket.