Leader of the New Zealand National Party


The Leader of the National Party is the highest ranked politician within the New Zealand National Party. Under the constitution of the party, they are required to be a member of the House of Representatives.
The current leader of the National Party is Judith Collins.
The previous leader was Todd Muller, who served since his election on 22 May 2020 until his resignation on 14 July 2020. He replaced Simon Bridges.

Selection

Following a general election, or when a vacancy arises, the Parliamentary Section of the National Party elects a Leader of the Parliamentary Section. After receiving approval by the Board of Directors, the Leader of the Parliamentary Section becomes the Leader of the Party.

Role

As parliamentary leader, the Leader organises the business of the party in Parliament. He or she also outwardly represents the party to the general public. Within the party organisation, they must ensure political consensus; the constitution of the National Party states that the Leader has "the right to attend any Party meeting or committee meeting and shall be an ex officio member of the Board".
When the National Party forms the Parliamentary Opposition, as it currently does, the Leader of the Party usually acts as the Leader of the Opposition. When the National Party is in Government the Leader generally becomes the Prime Minister of New Zealand. In 1949, Sidney Holland became the first National Prime Minister.

List of leaders

Of the fourteen people to officially hold the leadership, eight have served as prime minister.
Key:



PM: Prime Minister

LO: Leader of the Opposition