English previously ruled out leadership bid

English previously ruled out leadership bid

Back in 2013, Bill English unequivocally ruled out running for the National Party leadership.

In an interview with Newshub reporter Tova O'Brien, Mr English was asked explicitly if he had aspirations to be the next leader - and emphatically ruled it out.

When asked: "You don't want to be the next leader?" Mr English replied "No".

It was then put to him again: "So you're ruling out ever running for the leadership?"

Mr English responded: "That’s right".

But three years on, he's now the frontrunner for the top job after Prime Minister John Key's resignation, and is considering putting his hand up.

When asked about the U-turn on Monday, Mr English said the circumstances were unforeseen.

"Well I just never imagined being in this situation so I'm not ruling it out, but we've got discussions to be had. I don't think anyone anticipated this turn of events," he said.

O'Brien also spoke to a number of other senior National MPs - Judith Collins, Steven Joyce, Simon Bridges, Gerry Brownlee and Paula Bennett about their leadership aspirations. Watch what they had to say.

Newshub.