All sides of the political spectrum have praised the outgoing National leader. (Photo \ Getty Images)

English exits: How the political spectrum reacted to his resignation

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Tue, 13 Feb 2018, 12:24pm

The departure of Bill English as leader of the National Party has been met with salutes - as well as speculation about his reasons and the future leadership.

Bill English made the announcement at a press conference at Parliament with many MPs standing behind him. His wife Mary and sons were also there.

He told caucus of his decision this morning.

English kicked off the conversation online when he posted on Twitter: "I've learned a lot from the people I've met with across NZ, you've always shown me how truly special NZ is."

On Facebook, English posted a live stream of his announcement, adding: "I'm announcing my retirement."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted: "Just heard the news that Bill English has decided to stand down. Bill has made a huge contribution through his time in office and to politics generally. I admire those who serve NZ in this place, and Bill did for a long time, and he did it well. My best wishes."

Just heard the news that Bill English has decided to stand down. Bill has made a huge contribution through his time in office and to politics generally. I admire those who serve NZ in this place, and Bill did for a long time, and he did it well. My best wishes @RtHonBEnglish
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) February 12, 2018

Ardern said in a statement her outgoing political opponent garnered the respect of many.

She said National leader Bill English had clear convictions, and a genuine concern for the well-being of New Zealanders.

Ardern said public service had a huge impact on a politician's family, and English's wife and children have made great sacrifices for his job. She wished them and the outgoing politician the best for the future.

National's Deputy Leader Paula Bennett said Bill English would be terribly missed.

She said he had been been an incredible leader.

Bennett wouldn't be drawn on whether she would be vying for the leadership - or comment on the future of her role as deputy.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw also wished English well, and praised him for his commitment and perseverance over a 27-year parliamentary career.

"On behalf of the Green Party, I'd like to acknowledge Bill English and his 27 years of public service," co-leader James Shaw.

"Mr English has held many roles during that time – constituent MP, party leader, minister and Prime Minister – and should be congratulated for both his commitment and perseverance.

"Anybody who's involved in politics is aware of the great personal sacrifice that is required to do this job, for both the politician and their loved ones. For that reason, I'd also like to acknowledge Mary English and the entire English family.

"On behalf of the Green Party, I'd like to wish Mr English and his family all the best for the future."

Am genuinely sad about Bill English - leadership is sometimes about things falling into place for you & it just hasn’t recently. Thoroughly decent man trying to do the right thing. Wish him well for the future.
— Ben Carswell (@bcarswell) February 12, 2018

Maureen Pugh is next on National's list and is expected to return to Parliament as an MP.

A former Westland mayor, Pugh served as an MP in the previous term when she replaced senior minister Tim Groser, who left to take up the role as Washington ambassador.

Pugh thought she had made it back to Parliament on election night last year but lost her spot after the special votes were counted.

Pugh attended last week's National Party caucus meeting in Tauranga and said she would take up the chance to return to Parliament it a position came up.

The sudden news that Bill English is stepping down is bitter sweet for me being next on the List. He has made an enormous contribution to NZ over many years, esp during the GFC.
— Maureen Pugh (@MaureenPughNat) February 12, 2018

ACT leader David Seymour said English would be a loss to Parliament. "Bill English is one of those rare MPs who comes to Parliament to studiously improve our country's public policy," he said.

Left wing political commentator Josie Pagani said English's resignation was a big loss for the National Party.

Labour MPs walked out of their own caucus to to be collectively surprised at the news Bill English was stepping down.

Minister Megan Woods says they have a party policy of not looking at their phones during meetings so the news was quite a shock.

Said satirist Toby Manhire: "woah. Bill English is pregnant."

Former Maori Party MP Marama Fox said: "I have great respect for Bill @RtHonBEnglish and enjoyed getting to know him during the brief time I worked with him. I believe his legacy has been to support and help usher in Whanau Ora with Dame Tariana and, bringing independent Maori voice to the seat of Government."

The NZ Young Nats tweeted: "Bill, you got up again. Thanks to you, your dedication, and your integrity, so will National. #comebackkid @RtHonBEnglish

Thank you for your service to New Zealand @RtHonBEnglish pic.twitter.com/S8UGIspgGY
— Simeon Brown (@SimeonBrownMP) February 12, 2018

National Party MP for Taranaki/King Country Barbara Kuriger said she was "in awe" of what Bill English achieved and hoped the caucus could continue that good work, especially in the financial field and social investment.

"Bill used to say if you can measure something, you can manage it and you will go a lot further.

His expertise, working alongside his leader John Key, got us through the Global Financial Crisis and made a huge impact on our ability to recover from the Christchurch Earthquake.

Bill made a huge effort in social investment and I would love to see us continue that work and implement some of his programmes."

Green Party MP JulieAnneGenter posted: "I didn't usually agree with @RtHonBEnglish on policy, but I always respected that he is open to a thoughtful debate, and that his motivation comes from his values. Best wishes for your next endeavors."

National MP for Hamilton East David Bennett said: "Bill has done nearly 30 years in the job and he has a tremendous degree of support for him within the electorate and also within the party along with his commitment to himself and his family. They have been tremendous servants to New Zealand and we will miss them dearly."

Opined political commentator Bryce Edwards: "Yet another political leader who 'leaves voluntary', but with a big push."

Who's going to be running the National Party next? Here's my roundup on the departure of English and co, and the race to replace them: https://t.co/SMrldCXXLs
— Bryce Edwards (@bryce_edwards) February 12, 2018

National MP for Hamilton West Tim Macindoe said there was little to suggest English would be making his intentions known.

"I was a little bit stunned, I did not see the announcement coming when we walked into caucus this morning.

"I sat in the meeting this morning where there was just an incredible appreciative and respectfulness towards him and we all know what a great guy he is and what a tremendous job he has done.

"I have total respect and admiration for Bill, I've always been a huge supporter of his and I feel really pleased that he is able to go out with his head held high having made his own decision with the support of his family and the total support of his caucus."

Martyn Bradbury posted on Facebook: "Bill English destabilised as Leader before conference + Chris Bishop having snapchat allegations leaked to stop him running as leader = Judith Collins - release the kraken."

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