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Michael Woodhouse is weighing whether to throw his hat in the ring for National’s deputy leadership.
Incumbent Gerry Brownlee will step aside Tuesday when the caucus formally confirms its confidence in the leader and the deputy after the election. He said Friday that he would not compete, leaving the position vacant for another deputy.
Currently, the caucus favorite is Health Spokesperson Shane Reti. Leader Judith Collins has helped Reti pitch by saying he is the only MP who is guaranteed to keep his portfolio after a shakeup, which will take place next week.
Woodhouse lost the health portfolio to Reti shortly after Collins became leader. Woodhouse was embroiled in the leak of Covid-19 patient information that claimed the career of former MP Hamish Walker.
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Other high-level MPs are considering leaning toward leadership, though none have come to light. Reti is reportedly the caucus favorite to win, though it’s hard to know for sure who has the numbers to take the spot.
Woodhouse has not spoken formally, but is conducting polls. He is unlikely to run if there is consensus in the caucus around Reti.
Collins’ leadership will also decide who takes on the coveted role of finance spokesperson. Paul Goldsmith is unlikely to get the portfolio back after his many budgeting mistakes during the campaign. Former leader Simon Bridges has a chance, though Collins is reportedly weighing Andrew Bayly as well.
RICKY WILSON / Stuff
Michael Woodhouse is weighing a tilt toward National’s deputy leadership.
Bayly is a former merchant banker and detail man, bringing the skills Goldsmith lacked, but lacking the political flair of someone like Bridges.
Other portfolios are reportedly wide open after National’s historic loss destroyed the caucus, narrowing it down to 33 MPs.
Brownlee said he would step away from the MP role to focus more on rebuilding the National Party in his native Christchurch.
“In July I assumed the role of deputy leader of the National Party to support Judith as our leader. I firmly believe that Judith ran an extremely good campaign in what was an unprecedented election.
“While I was proud to intervene at the time, and still am, I’ve always believed that influence is more important than position when it comes to politics,” Brownlee said.
