Judith Collins tops online poll on National leadership contest

Judith Collins in one of five in the race to be National Party leader

Judith Collins is preferred as the new National Party leader among the Chronicle's online audience.

The Papakura MP is in a five-way race for the party leadership following the retirement of current Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Bill English earlier this month.

The leadership will be decided by vote of the party's 56-strong caucus this morning.

Thirty per cent of 404 votes cast in the unscientific poll were for Collins with the next most preferred, Steven Joyce, on 24 per cent.

Amy Adams was the favourite of 19 per cent of voters with Mark Mitchell getting 15 per cent.

Considered by many to be the front runner, Simon Bridges came out on the bottom of the online poll with 12 per cent.

The National caucus will use preferential voting to decide its leader the lowest polling candidate will drop away until someone has 29 votes.

Mr English announced his retirement earlier this month after 27 years in Parliament.

Preferred National Party leader - poll of online readers

Judith Collins 30%
Steven Joyce 24%
Amy Adams 19%
Mark Mitchell 15%
Simon Bridges 12%