Simon Bridges and the 2020 National Party Leadership Challenge
Following the National Party's defeat in the 2017 election, the party entered a period of transition. After the resignation of Bill English, Simon Bridges won the leadership election in February 2018, promising a "generational refresh" for a party that had been in opposition for nearly a decade.
While the National Party maintained steady polling between 40% and 45%—suggesting a potential path to government with the support of ACT New Zealand—Bridges faced a persistent gap in personal popularity compared to the Prime Minister and Labour Party leader, Jacinda Ardern.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Leadership Tenure: Simon Bridges led the National Party from February 2018 until May 2020.
- Polling Gap: In May 2020, a poll showed 59.5% of respondents preferred Jacinda Ardern for Prime Minister, compared to 4.5% for Simon Bridges.
- The Catalyst: A May 18, 2020, poll showing Labour at 56.5% and National at 30.6% triggered a leadership challenge.
- The Challenger: Todd Muller officially challenged Bridges for the leadership on May 20, 2020.
- Outcome Process: The leadership vote was conducted via secret ballot during an emergency caucus meeting on May 22, 2020.
Controversies and Judgement Calls
Throughout his tenure, Bridges' judgement was frequently scrutinized. He faced criticism for his public comments regarding National MP Jami-Lee Ross's personal health and for describing a party staffer as "junior" and "emotional" after the staffer deleted an anti-migration petition from the party website following the Christchurch mosque shootings.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further strained his leadership. In April 2020, Bridges published a lengthy Facebook post criticizing the Government's pandemic response. The post received over 25,000 comments, the majority of which were negative, as polling indicated strong public support for the nationwide stay-at-home order and economic measures. Additionally, Bridges was criticized for driving weekly from Tauranga to Parliament to chair the Epidemic Response Committee, despite the meetings being held virtually via Zoom.
The Path to the Leadership Challenge
The tension within the party culminated in May 2020. While Bridges had previously survived an apparent challenge from Judith Collins in April 2019, internal dissatisfaction continued to grow. Political commentator Matthew Hooton later alleged that Collins and Todd Muller had attempted to form a leadership ticket in September 2020, though they initially lacked sufficient support.
The breaking point arrived on May 18, 2020, when a public poll revealed a massive lead for the Labour Party and a significant lack of preference for Bridges as Prime Minister. Former National Party president Michelle Boag noted that while the poll was the catalyst, it followed months or years of negative feedback from party members and constituents.
The Rise of Todd Muller
On May 19, reports of a leadership challenge surfaced. Although Todd Muller initially denied having leadership ambitions, he confirmed via email to National MPs on May 20 that he would mount a challenge. A vote was subsequently scheduled for May 22.
Muller traveled to Wellington on May 21 to conduct one-on-one discussions with MPs. During this time, he and Nikki Kaye declined to confirm if Kaye was his running mate for the deputy position, stating that caucus conversations should remain private.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Political Standing (May 2020)
| Metric | Labour / Jacinda Ardern | National / Simon Bridges | Todd Muller |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party Support (May 18 Poll) | 56.5% | 30.6% | N/A |
| Preferred PM (May 18 Poll) | 59.5% | 4.5% | N/A |
| Party Support (May 16-20 Poll) | 59% | 29% | N/A |
| Preferred PM (May 16-20 Poll) | Not Specified | 5% | 0.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Simon Bridges challenged for the leadership?
While a May 2020 poll showing low personal popularity and a wide gap between National and Labour served as the catalyst, the challenge was also driven by long-term negative feedback from party members and constituents regarding his judgement.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Bridges' leadership?
Bridges faced backlash for a Facebook post criticizing the Government's pandemic response, which contradicted public opinion. He was also criticized for commuting from Tauranga to Wellington for meetings that were conducted virtually.
Who challenged Simon Bridges in May 2020?
Todd Muller mounted the official challenge for the leadership of the National Party, confirming his intent via email to MPs on May 20, 2020.
What was the role of the May 18 poll in the leadership change?
The poll acted as a catalyst, revealing that only 4.5% of those surveyed preferred Simon Bridges for Prime Minister, compared to 59.5% for Jacinda Ardern, prompting immediate movement within the National caucus.
How was the leadership vote conducted?
The vote took place on May 22, 2020, during an emergency caucus meeting at Parliament and was conducted via secret ballot.