'Backing Judith Collins' website taken down

An anonymous website backing Judith Collins for leader of the National Party has been taken down after questions about who had set it up.

The website "BackJudith.nz" was registered to Roseland Shopping Centre, 98 Great South Rd, the same location as Collins' electorate office in Papakura, according to Newshub, and was registered to a Raquel Ray with a fake phone number.

Collins said she had had nothing to do with the website.

The website asked readers to sign a letter backing Collins which would be sent to all 56 of National's MPs.

A screenshot from the website, which has since been taken down. Photo / Supplied

"We need a leader who will get the cut through in the media and effectively hold Jacinda Ardern to account," it said.

"Amy Adams or Simon Bridges would struggle to get cut-through and attention against [Prime Minister] Jacinda Ardern. No one can out-Jacinda Jacinda."

It said the website had been created by a group of National Party members and supporters but was not endorsed by the party or Collins.

"Raquel Ray" told Newshub via a Face Book page: "I've been contacted by the National Party and was asked to take it down, so I have."

"I was told it was not helpful for Judith and I want her to win. I never use my real name on line," the person told Newshub.

Collins is one of four candidates contesting the National Party leadership to replace Bill English who is stepping down on February 27.

Rodney MP Mark Mitchell has joined the race today, along with Adams and Bridges.