National Party resignations raise questions about Simon Bridges' leadership

The resignation of two National MPs has raised inevitable questions about Simon Bridges' leadership. 

Amy Adams, one of National's most senior MPs, announced on Tuesday she would be stepping down in 2020, just 45 minutes before National MP Alistair Scott announced his resignation. 

As Finance spokesperson, Adams is one of the most powerful women in the National Party. Last year she lost to Simon Bridges in the race to be the party's leader. 

During a press conference on Tuesday, Adams was asked if her resignation had anything to do with missing out on the leadership position.  

"No, absolutely nothing," she said. "And that's one point I really want to make: this isn't about the politics and this isn't about Simon - Simon has my 100 percent support."

Adams' resignation was a well-kept secret. She labelled her departure a "bit of a bolt from the blue". 

When asked if the resignations of Adams and Scott were due to a lack of faith in his leadership, Bridges said: "We are brimming with talent - we've got a huge amount of talent."

Bridges' reshuffled his Caucus on Tuesday. Epsom MP Paul Goldsmith will take over the big Finance role, while Gerry Brownlee gets back Foreign Affairs. 

Chris Bishop has lost his Police portfolio, but has been promoted to Transport and Regional Development. 

Judith Collins remains Housing spokesperson, but lost her Infrastructure portfolio. 

When asked if it was a demotion for Collins, Bridges said: "No, not at all. If you look at it, there's been a change-up in a number of the portfolios."

Adams said the reason she was leaving Parliament was simply because she wanted to spend more time with her family. 

"I'm tired, and I want to now spend a bit more time with my family... The fact remains, I want my life back."

Announcing her resignation, Adams described her toughest day: when her daughter was away at boarding school and she felt far away from her. 

"Early on, when my daughter was at boarding school... she rang me up, late at night, bawling - she was at boarding school - she wasn't getting on with her friends, and I felt a million miles from her... it's tough."

Adams said the decision to leave Parliament was "really tough", but said her time with National has been the "most incredible privilege".

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