Jonathan Coleman shoots down English's tax cut plans

Jonathan Coleman (Newshub.)
Jonathan Coleman (Newshub.)

Jonathan Coleman is making a bold play for the position of Prime Minister, taking aim at the treasured tax cuts Bill English and John Key have worked so hard to put on the table.

"I think we've got to be very careful before we look at tax cuts. We've got to make sure we are properly funding health and education," Dr Coleman revealed to RadioLIVE.

He's also taking aim at Mr English.

"I believe I've got the energy, I've got the relative youth on my side," he says.

"I sense an appetite in the caucus for a change of the status quo and for a moment of generational change."

The translation? Out with the old and in with the new.

So, what do we know about Dr Coleman?

He is 50 years old, married with two children, and entered Parliament in 2005.

He is the current Minister of Health, Sport and Recreation - and his "claim to fame" - he was Auckland Grammar School Head Prefect in 1984.

Dr Coleman may be a medical doctor. However ten years ago as Opposition health spokesman he accepted British American Tobacco's offer to sit in their corporate box during a U2 concert - and blew cigar smoke at a woman causing a ruckus. Now he's Health Minister.

Dr Coleman is taking a stand here by signalling he's keen for the top job - and if not now, then next time it comes up.

Newshub.