Editorial: Time for English to show he is worthy of PM title

Andrew Austin

John Key's carefully orchestrated succession plan to hand over the prime ministership to Bill English is starting to look a tad flawed.

Even the most ardent National supporter would probably admit to not having the same level of confidence in Mr English as they had in Mr Key.

Unfortunately the mud from the Todd Barclay debacle seems to be sticking and the reopening of the investigation by police is not good at all.

If he is totally honest with himself, Mr English would have to admit his handling of the situation has been less than perfect.

But, here's the thing. Did anyone really believe that Mr English was ever going to be as good as Mr Key?

Make no mistake, like him or loathe him, Mr Key was a remarkable politician and probably one of the best prime ministers this country has seen. Unfortunately history will also record that Mr English led the National Party to its worst-ever defeat in the 2002 elections. His leadership skills were woeful at the time and he was no match for a Helen Clark at the height of her powers.

The question many may ask is why it was thought, with that track record, that Mr English was capable of leading the party and country this time around.

There is no question he was a capable deputy and Finance Minister but, to throw in a shameless America's Cup example, there is no guarantee that a good tactician can make a good helmsman.

Undoubtedly the strong economy and the relative disarray of the Opposition parties means National will probably get in by hook or by Winston, but it could be a complete disaster for them if Mr English mucks up again.

Time for Bill English to show that he is up to the job.