Simon Bridges is National's new leader, and Paula Bennett has retained the deputy's role. Simon Bridges speaks at Parliament after being chosen as the new National Party leader, watched by his deputy Paula Bennett. "Today's modern National Party has very strong foundations to build on from the Key - English governments." Bridges becomes the first Maori leader of the National Party, along with Bennett, who also has Maori heritage, political commentator Bryce Edwards noted. National Party president Peter Goodfellow has congratulated Bridges on his appointment.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 26, 2018 22:41 UTC