Bridges tells MPS ‘don’t be timid’

Former National Party leader Simon Bridges used his final speech to decry ‘‘timid’’ politics, saying New Zealand deserves a robust debate of ideas – not just poll-driven battles of ‘‘competency’’. Bridges is retiring after a 14-year political career that saw him win one and lose three leadership contests. He led National between 2018 and 2020 before being ousted, and attempted to retake the job last December, resigning not long after his loss to Christopher Luxon. Bridges used the speech to urge MPS to be bold and not simply follow the polls, saying ‘‘timid’’ Oppositions would end up governing timidly too. ‘‘I make this plea, please, please, let’s not be quite so poll and focus group driven.’’