Radio New Zealand
Wellington, February 20, 2018
Steven Joyce has confirmed that he is in the mix to be the next National Party Leader.
You can watch his interview with the RNZ ‘Morning Report’ conducted about 30 minutes ago
https://www.facebook.com/nzmorningreport/videos/533230493724842/?t=0
He told Morning Report that he waited a week to give the leadership serious thought and hear what people had to say.
“I have actually had a huge amount of people inside and outside the caucus come to me and say, ‘You should stand.’ And I reflected on it and thought, ‘Why would I do that? and the answer is my passion for this county – that drives everything else.”
Mark Mitchell too enters
Yesterday, former Defence Minister, Police Officer and war zone security consultant Mark Mitchell confirmed he would contest the leadership.
Along with Mr Mitchell, Mr Joyce joins Judith Collins, Simon Bridges and Amy Adams, who put their names in the hat last week.
Mr Joyce has described his brand as “someone with a lot of experience” and who was “able to get things done”.
He was National’s Campaign Manager and a Finance Minister in the previous government.
Other MPs considered as potential contenders – Paula Bennett, Jonathan Coleman and Nikki Kaye – have all made clear they are not putting themselves forward.
No numbers yet
Mark Mitchell says he does not yet have the numbers.
Yesterday, Mr Mitchell told Checkpoint with John Campbell he strongly “believes in what National stands for.”
He said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s vision “lacked any substance.”
Mr Mitchell told Morning Report today he does not have the numbers in caucus to clinch the leadership, but said he has strong support and believed he could win.
Extensive experience
He said had extensive leadership experience in the public service, police and in private security overseas.
Whoever wins the leadership race would be supported by the other contenders, Mr Mitchell said.
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Photo Caption:
- Steven Joyce
- Mark Mitchell
(INZ File Pictures)
