Newstalk ZB's Barry Soper assesses Bill English's legacy and who is most likely to replace him.
There was no need for the rounded vowels of Simon Bridges to front up to the media with a flashy support party like the showy Amy Adams did.
Bridges clearly wanted no distractions as he launched his bid to become National's leader, he obviously sees himself as the party neatlywrapped in a package containing no-one but himself.
Ooim standing for leader, he declared, "Ooim focused on Soimun Bridges becoming the leader."
Then less than a minute later he was at it again.
"Under Soimun Bridges, as leader of the National Party, you would see me staking out positions as leader of the party."
Well that's nice to know, that'll have them quivering in their boots.
They've got a name for the Donald Trump affliction, the condition where people talk about themselves in the third person, it's called Illeism which means he's an Illeist.
The shrinks tell us it's a condition used by people to overcome their anxiety, it allows them to distance themselves from their preconceived fears and worries, allowing them to adopt a more objective stance about themselves. Unfortunately for Bridges they're also seen as narcissistic, egocentric and oddball.
But then there is a lot to worry about in this leadership race. Judith Collins, who declared a few hours earlier, is known to bring on an anxiety attack by simply walking into a room.
And even though the target of these wannabes Jacinda Ardern feigned disinterest in who becomes National's next leader, her delicate sensitivities would certainly take a knock if The Crusher pulled it off. She's already sniping at the new Prime Minister saying with Jacinda it's all about her.
Collins tells us being pregnant and holding down a big job might be tough, she did it running a law firm, but it ain't no thing. Forget the mumsy aspect of Ardern, focus on the Prime Minister who most certainly should be held to account, she hisses. And Collins reckons she's got one distinct advantage over the other two who've so far declared, she's been in opposition, they haven't.
The third contender Adams was determined to show she's got a level of support, flanked by the kiss of death Maggie Barry, but encouraged by the caucus young 'uns Nikki Kaye and Chris Bishop and former Cabinet colleague Tim Macindoe who all strode out with her as she met the media.
National MP Amy Adams with MPs, from left, Nikki Kaye, Chris Bishop, Maggie Barry and Tim Macindoe, announcing her intention to stand for the leadership of the party. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Speaking in her usual nineteen to the dozen style, Adams blurted out that if she's leader they'll win the next election.
It's early days in the leadership race yet though, with at least three others still contemplating whether they'll also have a crack.
