English endorsed as next NZ prime minister after Key's sudden resignation

New Zealand Finance Minister Bill English was endorsed by newly resigned Prime Minister John Key to be his successor. English, considered the man behind the success of the Nationalist Party, gained public favor due to his careful ministrations of New Zealand’s books and coffers.

In a statement, Key stated that English’ leadership style, career portfolio, commitment to change and moral decency made him the most suitable man for the post that Key had just vacated.

English revealed that he will have to talk with his family and colleagues before he decides to make a commitment. The decision will be made during the National Party caucus on December 12 where the Nationalist Party will elect a new leader. The chosen representative will take over the job that Prime Minister John Key will leave behind after he steps down.

English will not be the sole candidate for the Nationalist Party leadership though. His contenders will be Police Minister Judith Collins and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman. As a public favorite, English has an edge over the two. If party members will support the man Key endorses, English will have the highest chance of becoming the next Prime Minister of New Zealand.

John Key, who recently resigned to give time to his family and give the National Party a fresh leadership, possesses a charismatic personality that English might not equal, but the Finance Minister’s experience and performance as a public servant in almost a decade would make him a qualified person to replace John Key.

It can be recalled that English led the National Party in 2002, during which it was defeated. In 2006, he was made Key’s deputy and in 2008, he took over as Minister of Finance of New Zealand.