Key doesn't rule out working with NZ First

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Dean Purcell.

Prime Minister John Key isn't ruling out working with the New Zealand First Party.

The latest Roy Morgan poll put NZ First at 4.5 per cent, almost enough to get the party back into Parliament without any electorate seats.

Recent speculation was that Wanganui Mayor and radio host Michael Laws would stand for the party.

Mr Key said today he would decide whether he would work with NZ First leader Winston Peters closer to the election.

Mr Key ruled out forming a coalition or entering a support agreement with Mr Peters after the 2008 election.

"I will cross that bridge whenever I come to that bridge," Mr Key said.

"Yep Winston might be saying he is going to run but he also might change his mind. I've got a country to run and a lot of things to do and I will worry about that day if it comes."

Asked why he would leave the options opened, Mr Key said it was something the party needed to consider.

"I am not saying I can or I can't (work with him)."

Mr Laws, who intends to stand down as mayor this year, refused to comment on the rumours. The former National and NZ First MP resigned from Parliament in tears in 1996 over a Napier City Council poll he had organised.

The poll was signed off by a fictitious Antoinette Beck, who turned out to be Mr Laws' parliamentary secretary, Louise Sampson.

NZ First failed to win a seat in Parliament at the 2008 election.

- NZPA