National MPs appear to have managed to silence colleagues who have been lashing out at party president Michelle Boag over the humiliating election defeat.
Yesterday morning MP Maurice Williamson vowed to keep calling for Ms Boag to stand down until she did, but today he was silent.
On election night Mr Williamson
likened Ms Boag to a boil that had to be lanced.
Blame for the campaign strategy and presentation is being landed at Ms Boag's feet by many in the party.
Following the party's first post-election caucus meeting yesterday National leader Bill English said more pressure would be placed on Mr Williamson to be quiet after he initially ignored his call for calm reflection on the election night humiliation.
Asked whether Mr Williamson would continue his criticism despite being told to stop, Mr English said: "That is a matter that I am sure Maurice's colleagues will be raising with him.
It is understood Mr Williamson was not alone in criticising Ms Boag at the caucus meeting, but Mr English stamped out any talk of a vote of no confidence in her saying the presidency was a matter for the party.
Some MPs went into the caucus meeting complaining Ms Boag's offer to stand down at the end of her 12-month term was not enough.
The possibility of Ms Boag standing down after a review of the campaign -- due in four to six weeks -- has not been ruled out by Mr English or any party officials.
Her future was thouught to have been discussed at a meeting party regional chairs Wellington last night, but no one was commenting this morning.
There has already been speculation about who might replace Ms Boag -- including former prime minister Jenny Shipley and former deputy leader Wyatt Creech.
- NZPA
