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Replacing John Key: The contenders

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  • 1/9
    Bill English: Finance Minister since 2008, and seen as the brains behind the Key government. Has previously been leader, suffering a historic thrashing in 2002.
    1/9 Bill English: Finance Minister since 2008, and seen as the brains behind the Key government. Has previously been leader, suffering a historic thrashing in 2002.
  • 2/9
    Steven Joyce: The 'Minister of Everything' - Joyce has also been campaign manager for multiple National Party election victories.
    2/9 Steven Joyce: The 'Minister of Everything' - Joyce has also been campaign manager for multiple National Party election victories.
  • 3/9
    Judith Collins: The Minister for Police has staunch admirers on the right of the National party, but has also had moments of controversy that have resulted in censures and demotions.
    3/9 Judith Collins: The Minister for Police has staunch admirers on the right of the National party, but has also had moments of controversy that have resulted in censures and demotions.
  • 4/9
    Paula Bennett: Became a list MP in 2005, and won a seat in West Auckland when National swept to power in 2008. Paula Bennett has been Minister of Social Development, and is currently Minister of State Services and Local Government.
    4/9 Paula Bennett: Became a list MP in 2005, and won a seat in West Auckland when National swept to power in 2008. Paula Bennett has been Minister of Social Development, and is currently Minister of State Services and Local Government.
  • 5/9
    Gerry Brownlee: Has had a high profile as Defence and Earthquake Recovery Minister, and was a former Deputy Leader to Don Brash.
    5/9 Gerry Brownlee: Has had a high profile as Defence and Earthquake Recovery Minister, and was a former Deputy Leader to Don Brash.
  • 6/9
    Amy Adams: A rising star of the current Cabinet, Amy Adams is the current Minister of Justice and Communications.
    6/9 Amy Adams: A rising star of the current Cabinet, Amy Adams is the current Minister of Justice and Communications.
  • 7/9
    Simon Bridges: Has had a high profile since becoming Minister of Transport in 2014.
    7/9 Simon Bridges: Has had a high profile since becoming Minister of Transport in 2014.
  • 8/9
    Anne Tolley: Currently the Minister for Social Development and formerly Minister of Education and Corrections.
    8/9 Anne Tolley: Currently the Minister for Social Development and formerly Minister of Education and Corrections.
  • 9/9
    Jonathan Coleman: Health Minister who has held multiple Ministerial positions over the course of his Parliamentary career.
    9/9 Jonathan Coleman: Health Minister who has held multiple Ministerial positions over the course of his Parliamentary career.

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UPDATE: Since this gallery was published on Monday 5 December, 3 candidates have confirmed they are running - Bill English, Judith Collins and Jonathan Coleman.

The National Party caucus will hold a meeting on December 12 to decide the new party leader and Prime Minister.

Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper said attention will now be turned to who will take over.

"Like Helen Clark, there's no natural successor in line, so this is indeed a big announcement from the Prime Minister, and totally unexpected."

Key said caucus has a number of fine individuals to choose from - but if Bill English puts his name forward - he will get his vote.

"Bill has I believe grown a great deal since he was last the party leader."

"15 years on he is more experienced - I believe that National under Bill English's leadership would win the election in 2017."

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