While Bill English has won over the caucus, he could face the test of winning over the public sooner rather than later.
Mr English is facing a new role as Prime Minister as early as Monday next week, and he's not ruling out the possibility of an early election.
Under John Key, an election would have been held later in 2017, most likely September 23.
Under Mr English, it remains up for debate.
In other moves that will switch things up next year, Labour's David Shearer is quitting for a United Nations in South Sudan, meaning a looming by-election in Mount Albert.
Maurice Williamson has also quit his Pakuranga seat and is waiting to take up a diplomatic posting in Los Angeles, but eight weeks on from his appointment the Government suspiciously hasn't set a start date.
By-elections in Mt Albert and Pakuranga would cost up to $1 million each.
However, there's a rule that a by-election isn't required six months out from an election campaign.
This gives the new Prime Minister a fiscally responsible excuse to call it early.
Winston Peters said "whether I like it or not that's what I think's going to happen," and Green Party MP James Shaw said "we're ready for an early election, we're also ready for a late one".
Newshub.
