Lawmakers from New Zealand’s main conservative party on Tuesday
Feb 27,2018 chose their first indigenous Maori leader as they regrouped after an
election loss.
National Party members selected 41-year-old Simon Bridges from among five candidates.
He is a former lawyer and prosecutor who was first elected to Parliament 10 years ago.
He held several ministerial portfolios in the previous government, including energy, labor and transport.
The party also chose a Maori deputy leader after Paula Bennett fended off one challenger to retain her position.
New Zealand National Party on February
27, 2018 shows new party leader Simon Bridges (L) with deputy leader
Paula Bennett in Wellington
New Zealand had three women serve as prime minister but has never had a Maori prime minister, an opportunity Bridges would have if he wins the next election in 2020.
The 3 Women PM's of NZ are
Jenny Shipley Dec 1997- Dec 1999
Helen Clark Dec 1999 - Nov 2008
Jacinda Ardern Oct 2017 - till date
“I’m really excited about the opportunity I’ve got ahead,” Bridges said. “I hope Maori are proud of me.”
Bridges replaces former Prime Minister Bill English, 56, who earlier this month announced that he was quitting politics
National Party members selected 41-year-old Simon Bridges from among five candidates.
He is a former lawyer and prosecutor who was first elected to Parliament 10 years ago.
He held several ministerial portfolios in the previous government, including energy, labor and transport.
The party also chose a Maori deputy leader after Paula Bennett fended off one challenger to retain her position.
New Zealand had three women serve as prime minister but has never had a Maori prime minister, an opportunity Bridges would have if he wins the next election in 2020.
The 3 Women PM's of NZ are
Jenny Shipley Dec 1997- Dec 1999
Helen Clark Dec 1999 - Nov 2008
Jacinda Ardern Oct 2017 - till date
“I’m really excited about the opportunity I’ve got ahead,” Bridges said. “I hope Maori are proud of me.”
Bridges replaces former Prime Minister Bill English, 56, who earlier this month announced that he was quitting politics
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