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Former leaders of the National Party: Simon Bridges and Judith Collins. Photo / NZME

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National MP Simon Bridges hit back at his demotion by leader Judith Collins on Wednesday night, calling it "truly desperate".

Bridges spoke outside Parliament less than 12 hours after his demotion over alleged comments to fellow National MP Jacqui Dean.

Bridges said it showed Collins will go to any length to hold on to the leadership.

Collins was later rolled and Bridges is now considering a run at the helm. Mark Mitchell and Christopher Luxon are likely leadership candidates too.

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There is no place in NZ for this American "Trumpian" style politics of attacking the person in a nasty fashion. Play the ball not the man or woman.
- Peter S

All this talk of Collins' hatchet job and backstabbing may well be true, but people to then start saying it's time for Luxon to step forward and take the reins - really? Be very careful what you wish for, you might just get it. But rest assured, it won't be what you're hoping for. Unless, of course, it's a master class in hatchet jobs, backstabbing and narcissism. But then I guess that's most politicians to a greater or less extent, regardless of the colours they display.
- Brian M

This stupid action by Collins is right up there with a drunk Muldoon calling a snap election as the most stupid move by a politician in the last 50 yrs.
- Tim P

Imagine what state the country would be in had Collins been PM last 3 years instead of being Labour's biggest asset.
- Warren P

Why on earth should you be offended by a comment not made to you, nor about you? Why must others own your offence? The five-years-later aspect really shows how Judith has lost the plot, when she ought to be attacking Labour, not her own party.
- Ray S

Mmmm well whoever goes they will at least have some fodder for a new book.
- Kevin J

Not even the most cunning Labour 'manchurian candidate' could have a more destructive impact on National [than] Judith Collins. Her thinking she can ever be prime minister is as sad as watching a dog looking for its dead owner.
- Muse X

National really is the gift that keeps on giving for the government.
- Alfred T

Judith Collins comment about Siouxsie Wiles being a Big Fat Hypocrite was as equally bad if not worse [than] what Bridges said - On that basis, Judith should step down.
- Ga C

Collins is in it for Collins. Her thirst for power makes her unelectable and rather unlikable.
- Ben R

Oh for pity's sake. Our country doesn't have the room to deal with this sort of nonsense right now.
- Brian H

Collins is the gift that keeps on giving, to Labour. Sooner she's gone the better.
- John C

Collins is not desperate to retain the leadership. She has been history for a long time. This is about wrecking Simon Bridges. There are a lot things which may come back to haunt Collins. Good riddance, hopefully.
- Pietro E