Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

English cites 'strong support', won't name preferred deputy

Thursday 08 December 2016 01:36 PM

New PM: English cites 'strong support', won't name preferred deputy

By Pattrick Smellie

Dec. 8 (BusinessDesk) - Finance Minister Bill English says he is "finding strong support in the caucus” for his bid to replace John Key as Prime Minister next Monday after Key unexpectedly announced his resignation and departure from politics on Monday.

He would not discuss who he would back for deputy from the two declared candidates – Bridges and the Climate Change and Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett – saying that was a matter for the caucus.

English announced he would appoint Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce to replace him in the finance role if he becomes Prime Minister.

Speaking at the release of the Budget Policy Statement and updated fiscal and economic forecasts, English made the announcement to pre-empt questions, effectively making the first appointment in a Cabinet reshuffle he would expect to oversee, should his candidacy succeed.

English’s chances appear to be firming, with influential backbencher Todd Muller coming out this morning in support of English as leader, backed by the Transport and Energy Minister Simon Bridges, as his deputy.

Asked how Joyce’s appointment would square with an emerging desire from National’s backbenchers for Cabinet rejuvenation, English smiled and said: “Well, he’ll be a new Finance Minister.”

He would opt for Joyce because they had worked well together for eight years and he “has a fantastic set of skills”.

Asked about reports that he now had the numbers to become Prime Minister next week, English said he could not comment definitively but said: “Well, he’ll be a new Finance Minister.”

He would opt for Joyce because they had worked well together for eight years and he “has a fantastic set of skills”.

(BusinessDesk)


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.