Bridges has what it takes says Nelson MP
New Opposition leader Simon Bridges represents a generational change for the National Party and will be a ‘‘match’’ for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Nelson MP Dr Nick Smith says.
Bridges on Tuesday emerged victorious from a caucus vote to decide the next leader of the National Party. Paula Bennett was elected deputy leader in a process that involved two rounds of confidential voting for both positions.
Long touted as one of the frontrunners to replace retiring former leader Bill English, Bridges was the first to gain majority support in the five-strong field for the role. The other contenders were Amy Adams, Steven Joyce, Judith Collins and Mark Mitchell, who is said to have pulled out of the competition before voting commenced.
Smith, who joined Parliament with English in 1990, said Bridges had a strong background with the Young Nats, had been a ‘‘very successful’’ candidate in Tauranga and a former minister of key portfolios including transport and economic development.
Nelson and Tauranga had a lot in common and it was good for Nelson to have a leader of the Opposition who was ‘‘familiar with a number of challenges for provincial areas’’.
Bridges also had a strong background in law, including time as a Crown prosecutor.
‘‘I think, that will bring real heat on the coalition Government,’’ Smith said, adding that he believed Bridges would be a match for Ardern.
There was now a new generation leading both sides of the House ‘‘and that’s a good thing’’.
‘‘A country needs to have fresh, young leaders coming through,’’ Smith said. ‘‘I think, both Jacinda Ardern and Simon Bridges represent that.’’
With English giving his valedictory speech yesterday, ‘‘it’s a bit sad for me’’, Smith said of the pending departure of his friend.
‘‘I’m the last of a large intake in 1990.’’