Defeated National Party leader Simon Bridges responds to being ousted

Defeated Simon Bridges has shared a heartwarming response after being ousted from his job as National Party leader.

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller has been elected National Party leader over Bridges. Auckland MP Nikki Kaye was elected as his deputy, replacing Paula Bennett.

After the announcement, Bridges tweeted a photo of his wife Natalie and daughter Jemima, saying: "More time for the most important job I have. Thank you New Zealand."

More time for the most important job I have. Thank you New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/q47X9r3bK8

— Simon Bridges (@simonjbridges) May 22, 2020

Bridges, who met his wife while studying at the University of Oxford, also has sons, Emlyn and Harry, and lives with his family in Matua, Tauranga.

The tweet was met with overwhelming support for the former National leader, from Kiwis praising his work and wishing him luck in his future endeavours.

As a National member it’s sad to see you go, you would have made a strong PM. Best of luck for your future endeavours.

— Alex Peterson (@alexpeterson001) May 22, 2020

Oppn Leader is always the hardest job in Parliament. When the cards constantly fall the way of your opponent, it becomes impossible. Opposing is now seen as tantamount to treason rather than vital for accountability. You were dealt a losing hand & you played it as best you could.

— Rex Widerstrom (@RexWiderstrom) May 22, 2020

The tweet comes after Bridges posted a photo of his daughter yesterday.

"Very special visitor at work today to support dad," he captioned the post.

Very special visitor at work today to support dad.

Posted by Simon Bridges on Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Speaking to media today, Bridges congratulated Muller and Kaye on their win and thanked National staff for doing a "fantastic job" and being "loyal to the end".

He later said he was "disappointed" at today's result, but also said he was a bit relieved.

Bridges got emotional when he was talking about his family as he acknowleged the toll his job had put on them.

"I'm really looking forward to spending more time being a better dad and a better husband to Natalie from later today," he said.

The emergency caucus meeting came after two polls put National at about 30 per cent support. The most recent was the 29 per cent in the 1 News-Colmar Brunton poll last night.

Bridges continued to back himself to win the vote, however but National MPs who supported Muller were confident they have the numbers to roll the existing leader.

Muller is the 13th leader of the National Party and is the man who – bar another untimely leadership spill – will face off against Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the 2020 election in 120 days.