May 26, 2020
Collins held strong hand in leadership bid
Click here for the full interview.
You've got to know when to hold 'em – know when to fold 'em.
Veteran MP Judith Collins may have been channelling her inner Kenny Rogers as the National Party went looking for a new leader.
Despite not putting her name forward, she took a generous share of the pot, becoming shadow attorney general and also taking the shadow economic development, regional development and Pike River re-entry roles.
She told Radio Waatea host Claudette Hauiti her approach is to vote for the leader.
"I didn’t actually put my name up, hand up because I thought it's not the right time – actually I didn't think I had enough numbers and I was happy to put my numbers or talk to the people I work with closely and we decided to put our votes in a certain place and we're not saying where," she laughed.
Ms Collins defended the low ranking of Māori on National’s seniority list, saying MPs like Shane Reti were given heavyweight portfolio responsibilities but may not have the experience needed for front bench battles.
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