Three contenders have come forward to be New Zealand’s next prime minister after John Key unexpectedly resigned on Monday.

Key said he wanted to go out on a high, and for a new face to take the helm of the National party after 10 years as leader.

In an unusual move, Key immediately pledged his support for finance minister Bill English as his replacement, despite English leading the party to its worst ever election defeat in 2002.

English, a career politician who has long been viewed as a steady hand, confirmed on Tuesday he would run in next week’s leadership election.

Health minister Dr Jonathan Coleman has also officially thrown his hat in the ring. Former lawyer Judith Collins, minister for corrections and police, has long been touted for the top job and confirmed on Tuesday afternoon she would run as well.

Judith Collins announced on Tuesday she would stand in the leadership contest to succeed John Key as National party leader and prime minister. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images

With three senior politicians putting their name forward in a competition that was assumed already to be won, it is thought unlikely any other names will come forward. Minister for economic development Steven Joyce, justice minister Amy Adams and energy minister Simon Bridges have yet to confirm either way if they will stand.

The next National party leader – and new prime minister – will be chosen by National MPs. A decision is expected at a meeting of the caucus on 12 December.

In a Fairfax-Nielson poll on Tuesday, 37% of New Zealanders supported English as Key’s replacement, with several National MPs also pledging their support.

“I think it is really important the country has predictability and certainty,” said education minister Hekia Parata.

“[English] is very well-known for his very sound management of the economy, he has been the acting prime minister when the prime minister isn’t here and I think he has a great set of values.”

Collins – nicknamed the “crusher” for introducing legislation that crushed the cars of boy-racers – resigned from the cabinet in 2014, only to rejoin with Key’s backing in late 2015.

Despite Collins’ strong leadership style, she is seen as a divisive figure within the caucus who would struggle to win the popular vote.



Coleman joined parliament in 2005 after working as a GP in London and as a consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers in New Zealand.

“It was a surprise: I hadn’t really thought of Coleman as a potential contender before today, but perhaps he sees himself as being similar in style and personality to John Key,” said Professor Raymond Miller, a political scientist from Auckland University.

“I still think English will succeed but it has been 10 years since the Nats chose a new leader so the fact there are other names in the mix could be a sign they are taking it seriously, and declaring as a democratic government we don’t want to take this contest for granted.

“I don’t think it is a sign of any deeply held grievances or an indication of serious internal divisions.”

Key has served three terms as prime minister of New Zealand and is widely recognised as one of the country’s most successful leaders.