Brash's clumsy coup bid puts National in turmoil

By HELEN TUNNAH, deputy political editor

The National Party was in disarray yesterday with talk that first-term MP Don Brash appeared to have botched a second bid to topple Bill English as leader.

A vote on the leadership is expected to be forced next Thursday, and several National MPs told the Herald it was time for Dr Brash to "put up or shut up".

The former Reserve Bank governor and Auckland list MP of little more than a year does not yet have the numbers to oust Mr English.

The poor organisation of his second leadership tilt - he abandoned a bid in April - has cost him potential support from MPs dismayed at the public bungling of a possible challenge.

Dr Brash had gone to ground yesterday, refusing for the third day to return calls or give any public statement of support for Mr English. He was said to be assessing his support.

His silence infuriated some National MPs, who said the Herald revelation yesterday that he wanted to challenge Mr English was damaging to the party and Dr Brash's own standing.

If his leadership bid does fail, it leaves Mr English with the prospect of having to sack him as finance spokesman, or continue with a rebellious third-ranked MP on his front bench.

Mr English also would not talk to the Herald yesterday, but his team said he had the support of the majority of MPs.

One person considered vital to both men's prospects is Rangitikei MP Simon Power, who is regarded as a future leader or deputy. He is backing Mr English.

Mr Power said there was clearly dissatisfaction over poor poll results, and this week's bad handling of nuclear issues, but Mr English had his support.

"We put him in the job and we've got to back him. He's our guy, and you support him, end of story."

The only other credible option for a Brash deputy is Ilam MP Gerry Brownlee, who would not comment.

But he and Dr Brash have clashed over Dr Brash's desire for National to cosy up with right-wing rival Act.

Some in National are blaming Act interests in Auckland for persuading Dr Brash to make a leadership bid.

The Herald understands the level of frustration in National's caucus in recent days has created an environment where a leadership coup could have succeeded.

But Dr Brash has not captalised on that climate. Without caucus backing, he would struggle to find enough MPs to present an appealing and politically experienced front-bench lineup, assuming he demotes most of the English camp.

The Herald was told yesterday that former Cabinet minister Lockwood Smith and Canterbury list MP David Carter were doing the numbers for Dr Brash. Both denied it, but Mr Carter struggled to voice support for Mr English.

"Bill's the leader at the moment ... certainly he's the leader at the moment. He's currently got my support," he said.

Asked if he would vote for Mr English over Dr Brash for leader, Mr Carter said: "I think we'd have to make that decision at that time."

Dr Smith said he did not comment on caucus matters, but he always supported whoever was National's leader.

Nelson MP Nick Smith, a close ally of Mr English, said Dr Brash had a huge amount to contribute to the party as a future finance minister.

"I have got great confidence in Bill English. I think he will make a great prime minister if he gets half a chance."