The National Party has now elected Bill English their next leader and Paula Bennett as deputy. They will be sworn in this afternoon, but English has just given a press conference.
Some snippets from Twitter.
Bill English @honbillenglishExcited and humbled to be elected the new Leader of the
@nznationalparty with@paulabennettmp as Deputy Leader.
Bill English, in 1st comments as Nat leader, says he would likely vote for same sex marriage now.
Bill English won’t be moving into Premier House
Bill English says he won’t pledge to resign if the age for superannuation is raised, unlike John Key
“I have still yet to be sworn in as Prime Minister but thank you for your confidence” – English on whether staying on past 2020.
English says he will deal in the new year with the election date but will not be driven by Labour’s internal problems.
English asked about whether Key will get a knighthood – “well it’s not like he’s never asked.”
“Yes we do want it to go ahead and we will just find a way” – Bill English on Kermadecs
English says when he worked with Winston Peters in the past it was ‘challenging’.
“If NZ First is their to assist us, we are happy to have their support. That’s how the relationship works.”
English signals he is unlikely to take a portfolio a la Key and tourism.
English won’t make same pledge as Key to resign if super age raised, signals he’s open to policy review.
English on social issues: against abortion and euthanasia but would vote differently on gay marriage as doesn’t erode traditional marriage.
Your NZ 
Corky
/ 12th December 2016Paula needs a make-over. Power dressing during formal activities. Westie leather garb for informal events. And minus 20kgs.
Gezza
/ 12th December 2016All of a sudden the sunny day has disappeared in Welly, it’s turned to a Southerly & started raining. The gods may be displeased.
Pete George
/ 12th December 2016The weather gods were displeased in Dipton yesterday.
Corky
/ 12th December 2016The gods are weeping with joy..Aotearoa is in a safe pair of hands.
Blazer
/ 12th December 2016Minus 20 kg alright.Be an embarrassment internationally.
Corky
/ 12th December 2016Most uncharitable, Blazer. Be careful Jenny Craig doesn’t come to her rescue. Can you imagine the TV advertisement?
” Hi, I’m Paula Bennett. I’m the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, but I’m also a mum and a Westie. When Corky told me I needed to lose weight I knew only one person could help me- Jenny Graig. Now look at me! I lost 20kgs, gained more energy and have been honoured by Maori as being ” Wahine Toa.” Thanks Jenny. So make Jenny your friend. Must go, Melania Trump is on the blower, she’ll be helping me shop for a new clothes when I fly to New York. Ladies make your dreams come true with Jenny.”
Blazer, that’s a guaranteed fourth term for National.Thanks to many woman empathizing with her.
Blazer
/ 12th December 2016Tell her to take Gerry “craig” with her a.k.a Gerry Barger Brownlee.
artcroft
/ 12th December 2016A friend at work speculated that Key quit as he wasn’t prepared to renege on his supper promise, but change was needed so he left and gave English the chance to do the job.
If so it will be interesting to see what Labour do. They campaigned for raising the age of eligibility in 2014 but have retracted that policy for 2017.
Pete George
/ 12th December 2016Now Prime Minister:
Gezza
/ 12th December 2016Andy didn’t look well on 1ewes. Very sweaty. He wasn’t very supportive.
Corky
/ 12th December 2016Instead of keeping his mouth shut. We went from a large crowd farewelling JK. There were claps, kissing, hugging and manly handshakes….great vibes. Good feelings. Then we panned to Andy. He was sceptical. He reckoned English had tough choices to make. Blah, Blah. I really turned off the guy as a human being. To be fair we don’t know how much of his interview wound up on the cutting floor.
Gezza
/ 12th December 2016That’s why I don’t accept the “lefty media” charges. They kep the sweaty bits. Dunno what is about those glasses but they have to go. My guest the other night said he needs to get contacts. And a beard I reckon. Just a short tidy one. Paula’s gotta do something too. A big tiki doesn’t make it any less obvious too. She’s too giggly too, Corks,
Corky
/ 13th December 2016Yes, the eye rolling is off-putting. She’ll need to tape them in place until she conquers that habit.
Blazer
/ 13th December 2016Take rubber Billy over sly John any day of the week.He could be bold and build a lasting legacy in a very short time frame.
Gezza
/ 13th December 2016Good Catholic lad. Said he wants to do more to help the disadvantaged.
Corky
/ 13th December 2016Give me the child……….