Mitchell throws his hat into the ring
Former defence minister brings party leader candidates to four
Now there are four: Mark Mitchell has confirmed he will contest the National Party leadership position vacated by Bill English.
Mitchell, a former police dog handler, said National was built on very strong foundations and had 80 years of history of delivering.
“I am entering the race because I want to win.”
He said what set him apart was his leadership and teambuilding ability.
“The reason I am putting myself up for the leadership is because I want New Zealand to be an even better country.”
He said he wanted to hold the “shambolic Government” to account.
Mitchell said he has “very strong support” but would not state how many MPs were backing him. He ruled out going for the deputy leader role.
Mitchell dismissed talk of National requiring “generational change stuff”. “When you’re the leader of a country, you lead for all generations.”
Mitchell said the main priority was to hold the Government to account.
Of NZ First and Labour, he said: “You’ve got 7 per cent that is starting to control 34 per cent. And they are going to have to deliver.”
Mitchell said he was on good terms with NZ First leader Winston Peters through the parliamentary rugby team.
“But Winston is on notice. If I am leader — he’s in Government, we’re in Opposition. We are going to hold him to account.”
Mitchell said he was not concerned the National leadership race would turn nasty. “It will be an open and fair race.”
He would not say who he would like as his deputy.
Mitchell also signalled Steven Joyce would be kept on as finance spokesman, saying he was doing an amazing job.
Mitchell said he had discussed running for the leadership with his wife, Peggy, and their five children.
Mitchell was a member of the police armed offenders squad, went on to become a top international hostage negotiator, and established a security consultancy in the Middle East.
He has been in Parliament since 2011 and was Minister of Defence before the change of Government last year.
Mitchell’s announcement means there are four candidates for leader, with Judith Collins, Simon Bridges and Amy Adams also running.
Steven Joyce is also yet to show his hand after revealing he was considering it. — NZ Herald