Long-time National MP Judith Collins has emerged victorious in tonight's leadership vote and is determined to win back the treasury benches come September 19. Video: Chris Tarpey / Mark Mitchell
Winston Peters says he has serious concerns for Todd Muller's mental health.
The New Zealand First leader told The Country he has a lot of time for Muller and wishes him the very best.
"In this case, I'm told he had a serious breakdown. That happens in families.
"We canmake all the speculative statements we like, but frankly, my sympathies go out to him, his family and his children.
"He's a good bloke, and it happens, and there but for the grace of God go you and I."
Peters says he isn't worried about the prospect of having to go up against new National leader Judith Collins at the next election.
New National Party leader Judith Collins and deputy leader Gerry Brownlee with their colleagues after the caucus leadership vote at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell
And the Prime Minister is spending the "bare minimum" of her time thinking about the upcoming election.
Jacinda Ardern said she accepts there is an election this year and that there will be politicking, but her focus is on the pandemic.
Ardern said politicking will not mean much to New Zealanders, who will be expecting the Government to focus on the Covid-19 response, and she hasn't spent much time thinking about squaring off with Collins.
National MPs met this morning to discuss changes in the party, which will include a reshuffle of some portfolios, Collins says.
The future of health spokesman Michael Woodhouse is in question, after Collins today refused to publicly say he would be keeping the job.
Michael Woodhouse posted this photo last night with Judith Collins.
Asked if he would continue in the health portfolio, Collins would only say "there are still a few things to work out".
A big day for the Party but ready to take the fight to the Government with the fabulous Judith Collins at the helm. Congratulations to Judith and Gerry!
"My focus is entirely on the next 10 weeks," he said.
Collins is downplaying the significance of the changes, saying it would only affect herself, her new deputy leader Gerry Brownlee and "a few other people".
Speaking to media this morning, Collins would not elaborate on who these "other people" would be.
She has confirmed that Paul Goldsmith will retain finance and that former leader Simon Bridges will continue in foreign affairs.
New National Party leader Judith Collins and deputy leader Gerry Brownlee with their colleagues after the caucus leadership vote at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Last week, National MP Hamish Walker was forced to resign after he outed himself as the leaker of sensitive and personal Covid-19 information.
As it turned out, Woodhouse had received similar information from former party president Michelle Boag.
If Collins strips Woodhouse of health, Whangārei MP Shane Reti would be the most likely candidate to take his place.
Reti – a medical doctor – has been heavily involved in National's health response and policies.
Speaking to MediaWorks, Collins said National would now look at "some of the mild changes we need to make".
"Gerry and I have now got other jobs to do and we need to shift a few portfolios around.
National MP Michael Woodhouse arrives at a caucus meeting at Parliament in May.
"We also have to take into account that Nikki [Kaye] is back doing education in such a big way but also just to make sure we've got something available for Todd as well."
Collins said the party will be having a discussion about whether or not Muller would be on the front bench.
