Winston Peters throws shade at Paula Bennett

Winston Peters throws shade at Paula Bennett

NZ First leader Winston Peters used the National Party's leadership race to throw major shade at the contenders in Parliament today.

During question time, Mr Peters quizzed outgoing Prime Minister and National leader John Key on whether he had confidence in the contenders - one in particular.

"How can he have confidence in his Social Housing Minister [Paula Bennett] when she clearly doesn't have any confidence in herself?" he asked.

Mr Peters was clearly taking aim at the fact Ms Bennett did not back herself to contest the leadership and only confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that she is keen on a deputy leader role under Bill English.

"I think you can say a lot of things about Paula Bennett but she has enormous confidence in herself, trust me," Mr Key said.

Mr Key then went on to reference a 'pirate party' Ms Bennett held just last week which was attended by MPs including Prime Ministerial candidate Judith Collins. 

"Anyone who hosts a 'pirate party' and does so late into the evening has tremendous confidence in themselves."

Newshub.