Waikato may not benefit from Bridges
Simon Bridges resides just across the Kaimai Range but it’s unlikely his close proximity will help the Waikato region unless he can win the next election, a political scientist says.
Bridges was voted National’s leader yesterday afternoon, surviving challenges from Judith Collins, Amy Adams, Steven Joyce, and Mark Mitchell – who pulled out before voting began.
The 41-year-old Tauranga MP replaces Bill English who stood down earlier this month.
Paula Bennett was re-elected as deputy leader.
Waikato University senior lecturer, Dr Patrick Barrett believes as an opposition leader Bridges will find it difficult to influence government policy.
‘‘I can’t see his selection as having a specific impact on the Waikato. His potential influence all depends on his ability to lead National to victory at the next election. If he fails to do that, the leadership could be contested again,’’ Barrett said.
He does say that it is significant that National has a leader who is Ma¯ ori.
‘‘Simon Bridges says he has a strong sense of his whakapapa, but he has yet to articulate what that means for National under his leadership. It does, however, have important symbolic significance,’’ Barrett said.
Bridges signalled a greater emphasis on the environment and has pointed towards the potential for working with the Greens as a coalition partner after the 2020 election.
Bridges’ National colleagues Hamilton East MP David Bennett wouldn’t confirm who his preferred pick for leader was although it’s believed to be Bridges.
‘‘I think it’s a great result for the National Party. Simon Bridges is a very strong leader that has a big connection to the Waikato region coming from his Tauranga base it’s crucial that our two towns work together,’’ Bennett said.
Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe, who publicly supported Amy Adams, said National’s caucus was spoilt for choice. ‘‘Simon is clearly the majority choice of the caucus, he’s done well, I wish him well, and naturally I will be giving him my 100 per cent support,’’ he said.