She said yesterday was the first day she had any discussions about the leadership, as she had wanted English to stay on. Earlier today, Bridges put his hand up for the National Party leadership in an announcement at at Parliament, saying he believes he is the right person to lead the National Party to victory in 2020. Paula Bennett has ruled herself out of the leadership race, but will seek to stay on as deputy. I'm putting my hand up because I believe I'm the best leader for the National Party at this time." Asked if he would consider the deputy leadership, he said: "I'm not ruling anything in or out at this stage."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 13, 2018 19:41 UTC