Black and blue deputies in fight for jobs
National’s leadership race could be a clean sweep after it announced a vote on deputy Paula Bennett’s job.
NZ First has revealed it, too, will be selecting a deputy leader at next week’s caucus meeting – meaning minister Ron Mark’s role could be up for contention.
In a statement, the party said it was ‘‘delighted to announce’’ leader Winston Peters had survived selection, being reconfirmed as party leader yesterday.
‘‘His sole nomination was carried with acclaim.’’
Meanwhile, Bennett did not stand aside at the time National leader Bill English announced he was retiring from politics and has said she wants to continue as deputy.
But the National caucus yesterday confirmed there would be a vote next week after a new leader is chosen.
Bennett rose quickly up the ranks of National after being anointed as a potential future leader.
But her star has fallen in recent times and Bennett has not put her name up for the leadership.
On her way into caucus yesterday, Bennett reiterated that she would like to be deputy under the next leader.
She indicated she would be happy to serve with whoever was elected.
National Senior Whip Jami-Lee Ross said Bennett approached him last week to say it was likely the best thing for the party was a fresh vote.
‘‘MPs will self-nominate, they’ll speak to the caucus and then the MPs will vote,’’ he said.
It was up to the MPs how they decided to run for deputy leader, either individually or on a ticket.
‘‘The caucus is very clear that it is a caucus decision, so the rules and exactly how we do it and how we vote, we’re going to do that internally within the caucus.
‘‘In terms of what candidates say or do publicly, that’s up to them and how they conduct themselves,’’ Ross said.
The leadership race is wide open after finance spokesman Steven Joyce was the latest to throw his hat in the ring yesterday.
Others seeking the leadership are Simon Bridges, Amy Adams, relative newcomer Mark Mitchell and Judith Collins. No candidates had yet declared a joint deputy ticket.
All candidates have expressed approval for Bennett’s performance so far, but most had said the decision would be up to caucus and some had other candidates in mind. National MPs will vote next Tuesday.