Yesterday the leadership battle ended before it began after it became obvious to the person who caused the uprising in National’s ranks that he didn’t have the support of even 10 of his colleagues.
The word I’ve heard is that caucus was disgusted with Bridges and his media pals putting about false information as to the state of play, and even though there were indications of a close battle, that ebbed away overnight. Some members of the caucus though, will not be forgiven for their treachery; they backed the wrong horse again, and some of them really should re-think their future prospects. Older members who backed Bridges might like to think about retiring. A step-change has arrived in the party and there is no place for journeymen and non-performers.
When Bridges was crowing to the media in the morning he didn’t yet know that his numbers were him plus 9 others. Everyone else had gone across to Chris Luxon. Shortly after lunch Bridges knew he wouldn’t be using his toes to count and so threw in the towel, anointing Chris Luxon as the leader.
Congratulations to Chris Luxon, he showed how it was done with a comprehensive victory.
Now the hard work for him begins. He is going to find out that being the Leader of the Opposition is a whole lot harder than being the CEO of an airline. There isn’t an army of minions to assist, it just requires hard graft.
What he is about to discover also is that the media are not his friends. He now has a target on his back and the media will go after him like they have done for every National leader since time began.
His first appearance in the media was good. He delivered a solid speech, and front-footed media gotcha questions very well. He was articulate, pleasant, and confident. Long may that continue.
Now the caucus needs to knuckle down and support him and Nicola Willis. The rancour needs to cease, the undermining also needs to stop. Teamwork and cogency are what is needed to rid this country of a narcissist control freak who is intent on division and dissembling.
The enemy is the Ardernists and their useless government. Caucus needs to realise that.
National always has to fight the media as well as their political opponents. Caucus needs to realise that the media are also their enemy and the enemy of the people. They have shown their cards: they are for Ardern and her lot. There will be no free rides from media; the attacks will start almost immediately.
So all power to Chris Luxon: he just has to get through the next two weeks in the house then he can use the Christmas recess to school himself up on how to deal with the media.
Hopefully National has turned a corner for the better.
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