Killer combo eludes Nats with finish line in sight

The National leadership rivals are heading into the home straight with Auckland set to be the focus for lobbying today.

The frontrunners, Simon Bridges and Amy Adams, are expected to be in Auckland talking to MPs — and potential rivals.

The other candidates live in the Auckland region — Judith Collins in Papakura, Mark Mitchell in Rodney and Steven Joyce in Albany.

Deputy leader Paula Bennett — another Aucklander — could be a pivotal powerbroker, sources suggest.

Bridges is acknowledged to be ahead, but short of the 29 required votes he needs on Tuesday to replace outgoing leader Bill English. With support from Bennett — and a group close to her in various camps — the Tauranga MP would probably have the numbers. Bennett almost certainly would be elected his deputy.

But supporters of Adams, Mitchell and Joyce could, if they combined, have the numbers to stop him.

However if Adams won, it would be harder for Bennett to be elected deputy because the party is said to be not ready for two women at the top.

Complicating the lobbying is the fact that several MPs are promoting Judith Collins as Bridges’ deputy in recognition of the support she has in the wider party and with the public.

Amy Adams would not say whether she was meeting any rivals at the weekend. She wanted to talk to as many colleagues as she could.

“I haven’t done any deals with anyone and as far as I am concerned, this is going to a vote,” she said.

Joyce disputes suggestions that he has very little support but has not ruled out the possibility of meeting rivals over the weekend.

He said all the candidates were keeping in touch “to keep the lines of communication open because on Tuesday, one way or another, we have all got to work together”.

Bridges said he believed the contest would go to a vote on Tuesday.

He would not be recommending a deputy to the caucus if elected leader. “Ultimately it is for the caucus but I can certainly work with Paula Bennett. I think she has still got a lot to give.”

Asked if he could work with Collins as deputy, he said he could work with a range of colleagues.