By HELEN TUNNAH
National former deputy leader Roger Sowry is to quit politics amid speculation that one or two other MPs sidelined by new leader Don Brash may also go.
The futures of National's sole Maori MP, Georgina te Heuheu, and demoted Kaikoura MP Lynda Scott are not clear.
Mrs te Heuheu has struggled with the party's direction since Dr Brash's Orewa speech on race relations. Her criticisms of the speech led to her being replaced by Gerry Brownlee as Maori Affairs spokeswoman.
Dr Scott, elected in 1999, may also be considering her future but declined to comment yesterday.
She was a strong performer in her role as National's health spokeswoman when Bill English was leader but was demoted from the shadow front bench by Dr Brash in his post-coup reshuffle.
Mr Sowry lost his deputy's job in the coup, but said his decision to retire at next year's election was not motivated by any ongoing frustrations over the change of leader.
One of the four MPs elected in 1990 and making up National's so-called brat pack - the others are Mr English, Nick Smith and Tony Ryall - Mr Sowry was just 30 when he entered Parliament.
"I came in here really young. I've got the opportunity to build a 20-year career now outside of Parliament, and I'm really looking forward to it.
"I made the decision a week or so ago. You just know when the decision's right for you."
Dr Brash confirmed he had tried to persuade Mr Sowry to stay.
National's hierarchy had attempted to be inclusive at the party's annual conference over the weekend by allocating speaking slots to Mr Sowry and other MPs in the English camp.
However it is understood the move came too late, and Mr Sowry told Dr Brash yesterday morning that he intended to step down.
The party has just begun the process of selecting electorate candidates for next year's election, and the rules oblige MPs to contest a constituency. That will require Mrs te Heuheu and Dr Scott to indicate their intentions.
National is also chasing high-profile fresh candidates, either for its list or electorates, and is understood to have two strong prospects.
Business Roundtable chairman Rob McLeod was asked by Dr Brash to consider standing, but has said no, for now.
The troubled Tamaki electorate, where sitting MP Clem Simich faces a challenge, will open nominations at the end of this month with speculation linking Hobson community board member Aaron Bhatnagar to the contest.
He could not be contacted last night, but is thought to have switched his allegiances from Act to National, when Act told Rod-ney Hide to chase the party vote and not a personal Epsom electorate win last election.
So far, it is National Party member Margaret Voyce who has said she will challenge Mr Simich.
But another contender could emerge when nominations are open who may want to keep National's options open to give up Tamaki in an electoral deal with Act, which is struggling for its political survival.
Mr Hide last night told the Herald there had been no talk of deals between Act and National in Tamaki.
Roger Sowry
* Elected as Kapiti MP in 1990 aged 30.
* A list MP since MMP was introduced in 1996.
* Former whip and Social Welfare Minister in the 1990s.
* Deputy leader of National from 2001 to 2003.
* Intends to seek a job in commerce.
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