Wellington – Bill English is set to become New Zealand’s new prime minister after he secured the support of the majority of his party and the two candidates running against him for the role both withdrew Thursday.
A special National Party caucus meeting, due to be held next Monday, will now almost certainly confirm English in the role and also vote on who will become deputy prime minister.
“I only get to be the National Party leader and therefore the prime minister, when the National Party MPs confirm that,” English told reporters in Wellington Thursday.
“The plan at the moment is that confirmation of leadership will be on Monday and not today,” he said.
John Key, who resigned from the role of prime minister on Monday for personal reasons, plans to tender his resignation to the governor-general after the caucus meeting.
Dec. 5, 2016 – Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bill English holds a press conference about Prime Minister John Key’s resignation. Key on Monday shocked the nation and his cabinet by announcing resignation after eight years at the head of one of the most popular governments in the country’s recent history. (Credit Image: © Su Liang/Xinhua via ZUMA Wire)
When asked about how he felt at the prospect of becoming New Zealand’s next prime minister, English said the role was unexpected.
“This has all happened pretty fast, it’s not even been three days since John Key stepped down. So I haven’t really had time to reflect on it, to be honest.
“I suppose over the next day or two, I will have a chance to reflect on it,” he said, before adding that he would then discuss the “reality” of the job with his family.
Earlier, both Police Minister Judith Collins and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said they were no longer interested in challenging English for the role of prime minister, after it became clear that the 54-year-old had enough support to win the caucus vote.
Collins told reporters in Wellington that the country’s ruling National Party should now throw its support behind the current finance minister and deputy prime minister, English.
“We need to go forward together and make sure we win the next election,” she said.
Shortly thereafter, Jonathan Coleman also conceded, before congratulating English on Twitter, saying, “You’re going to make a great PM & the whole team & I are behind you 100% to win in 2017.”
English has already suggested senior cabinet minister Steven Joyce as his pick to succeed him as finance minister, according to Radio New Zealand. Ministers Paula Bennett and Simon Bridges have expressed a desire to become English’s deputy, the broadcaster said.
Outgoing prime minister John Key led the New Zealand National Party since 2006 and served as premier from 2008. He said Monday he was stepping down to spend more time with his wife of 32 years, Bronagh.
