New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Justice Minister Judith Collins could both do his job well but others may emerge before the position becomes vacant.
Mr Key told TVNZ's Q&A on Sunday that he didn't have a "plan B" if his National Party loses the 2014 general election.
"But I've been reasonably up front with people, saying that you know eventually if you lose an election generally there is a change of leader.
"If there is a change of leader I don't think it is actually healthy to get in the way of the next leader."
He said both Mr Joyce and Ms Collins would "make fine leaders and fine prime ministers" but there were other potential candidates.
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"Hopefully it is going to be a long way into the future and that'll bring other people into play as well."
Mr Key said he wouldn't be part of the caucus.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English said he had not thought about what he would do if National lost the election but he wouldn't expect to seek the leadership.
Mr English is giving up his Clutha-Southland electorate and will return to parliament as a list MP after next year's election.
He has represented Clutha-Southland since 1990.
