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Crushing defeat to comeback: The career of Bill English

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  • 1/10
    Bill English has become on of the great survivors of New Zealand politics, with his career in Parliament beginning in 1990.
    1/10 Bill English has become on of the great survivors of New Zealand politics, with his career in Parliament beginning in 1990.
  • 2/10
    He has earned a political reputation for being dry and at times boring, a personality he embraced during his eight years as Finance Minister under John Key.
    2/10 He has earned a political reputation for being dry and at times boring, a personality he embraced during his eight years as Finance Minister under John Key.
  • 3/10
    Over that period, he has seen off his share of opposition Finance spokespeople.
    3/10 Over that period, he has seen off his share of opposition Finance spokespeople.
  • 4/10
    Finance hasn't always been his role however. English spent two years as leader of the National Party after the resignation of Jenny Shipley.
    4/10 Finance hasn't always been his role however. English spent two years as leader of the National Party after the resignation of Jenny Shipley.
  • 5/10
    His leadership never caught on among the public, despite English's efforts to build a profile, which included boxing in a Fight for Life event.
    5/10 His leadership never caught on among the public, despite English's efforts to build a profile, which included boxing in a Fight for Life event.
  • 6/10
    He led National to their worst ever election result in 2002, with their share of the party vote plunging to just over 20%.
    6/10 He led National to their worst ever election result in 2002, with their share of the party vote plunging to just over 20%.
  • 7/10
    Soon after the election, he was rolled as leader by former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash. During that period English continued to hold a high ranking among the National caucus.
    7/10 Soon after the election, he was rolled as leader by former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash. During that period English continued to hold a high ranking among the National caucus.
  • 8/10
    His return to the big stage came when John Key took over as National leader in 2006, with English as his deputy.
    8/10 His return to the big stage came when John Key took over as National leader in 2006, with English as his deputy.
  • 9/10
    Along with Steven Joyce, the trio formed the core of a government that has seemed to defy the laws of political gravity, maintaining popularity with voters for longer than any other NZ government in recent history.
    9/10 Along with Steven Joyce, the trio formed the core of a government that has seemed to defy the laws of political gravity, maintaining popularity with voters for longer than any other NZ government in recent history.
  • 10/10
    English's career has not been free of scandal. In 2009 he paid back taxpayer money after he was found to be 'double-dipping' on his living allowances, and this year sparked controversy with comments that some unemployed were "pretty damned hopeless."
    10/10 English's career has not been free of scandal. In 2009 he paid back taxpayer money after he was found to be 'double-dipping' on his living allowances, and this year sparked controversy with comments that some unemployed were "pretty damned hopeless."

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When Bill English is sworn in as the 39th Prime Minister of New Zealand, it will be the highlight of a remarkable political career that has been decades in the making.

He's held Ministerial positions, top roles in opposition, and been both a list and electorate MP. He's had moments of triumph, dismal defeats, and almost everything in between.

Take a look back at Bill English's career with our gallery of his highlights and lowlights.  

 

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