Key sees many potential replacements

Prime Minister John Key is hinting he will not stay around if National loses the election while Bill English is not expecting to replace him.

NZ Prime Minister John Key

John Key has hinted he will not stay around if NZ's National Party loses the 2014 general election. (AAP)

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.

"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.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world