November 25, 2021
National in turmoil over Bridges’ burn
The National Party caucus has been in an emergency meeting all morning to discuss leader Judith Collins’ stripping Tauranga MP and former leader Simon Bridges of all his portfolios.
Ms Collins was supposed to hold a press conference this morning to explain the demotion, which came after she learned about abusive comments Mr Bridges made to fellow MP Jacqui Deans at a party function five years ago.
She told Paakiwaha host Dale Husband the incident led to a loss of confidence and ongoing harm to the Waitaki MP.
Attempts yesterday by her deputy Shane Reti and herself to discuss the complaint with Mr Bridges were rebuffed.
“The behaviour itself is utterly unacceptable not only as an MP but for any person actually and the behaviour when confronted with it was almost as bad,” Ms Collins says.
National Party pollster David Farrer told Radio New Zealand a confidence vote went against Judith Collins and the new leader will be either Mark Michell or Christopher Luxon.
The interim leader has been announced as Dr Shane Reti.