A source said an early move against Paula Bennett could not be ruled out, as the party comes to terms with its defeat and the prospect of more than one term in Opposition.

Rumblings have started in National over its election loss and the knives are out for key figures in the outcome, including deputy Paula Bennett.

But with the party still polling above 40 per cent leader Bill English appears to be safe for now.

Jostling is already underway over a replacement should English step down, however. He had planned to retire from politics before John Key's shock resignation thrust him into the leadership.

STACEY KIRK/STUFF Jostling is already underway over a replacement should Bill English step down. He had planned to retire from politics before John Key's shock resignation thrust him into the leadership.

A senior National Party source said English commanded a lot of respect in the caucus and there would be a backlash against anyone who tried to roll him at this point.

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He was seen as having earned the right to go gracefully, though the mood may change if the polls dropped.

CAMERON BURNELL/STUFF The knives may also be out for finance spokesman and campaign strategist Steven Joyce, who was a key member of the coalition negotiating team.

But English is loyal to Bennett and may see any move against her as a move against him.

The source said an early move against Bennett could not be ruled out, however, as the party comes to terms with its defeat and the prospect of more than one term in Opposition.

However Bennett said she had heard no rumblings in the caucus and there had been no suggestion that her deputy leadership was on the line.

The caucus was solid and united in its determination to take on the Government.

Asked if she could be the scapegoat for National's loss she said: "I just don't think we are looking for scapegoats...each of us wants to do the best we can."

The knives may also be out for finance spokesman and campaign strategist Steven Joyce, who was a key member of the coalition negotiating team.

But other MPs spoken to by Stuff said they had heard nothing about a move against Bennett.

The speculation appears to have been sparked by a barbecue at the home of Tauranga MP Simon Bridges, who is seen as a future leadership contender.

But the barbecue was organised as part of a two day caucus retreat in Tauranga - a venue which was chosen by Bennett.

Bridges told Stuff he was not aware of any discussion or agitation over the deputy leadership.

A spokesman for English said a discussion about the deputy leadership was not on the agenda.

In a statement, English said he was focused on leading National back into Government and was giving a speech on Wednesday outlining how he was going to do that "including the party's focus for the year ahead and how we will hold this government to account."

Stuff had also been told that some MPs are agitating to put National's election loss on the agenda for discussion at that retreat.

Dislike of Bennett within the caucus was said to be so deep-seated "I don't think she can pull it back", the same source said.

While English is safe, his performance on Tuesday over issues including the party's stance on medicinal cannabis caused some internal disquiet.

Bennett was seen as being one of the major reasons for NZ First leader Winston Peters backing Labour in coalition negotiations.

Her office was one of a small number that handled information about Peters' pension overpayment.

The information, which was later leaked, created deep antipathy between Peters and National.

Bennett has also rubbed some MPs up the wrong way by suggesting activities like skits during caucus meetings.