Here is some hard-hitting investigative journalism...
A selection of tweets, in no particular order, made in response to former Prime Minister Bill English announcing his resignation as Leader of the National Party.
The silence of National MPs: Paula Bennett, Simon Bridges, Judith Collins and Jonathan Coleman has been noted as at 1.35pm Tuesday February 13.
Really gutted with Bills announcement today that he is resigning. Bill is a rare breed of politician. He has... https://t.co/Ov9SqjBPKd
— Hon Nikki Kaye (@nikkikaye) February 12, 2018
Well, it should be obvious to everyone who I am backing to be the new leader of National. It’s time for a woman who cares about transport. You’re the one, @JudithCollinsMP! #gocrusher
— Julie Anne Genter (@JulieAnneGenter) February 12, 2018
Bill English not the only one to get choked up during his resignation speech - long-time friend and fellow "Brat Pack" member Nick Smith also appeared emotional. pic.twitter.com/QgqZEKgZ0V
— Sam Sachdeva (@SamSachdevaNZ) February 13, 2018
This is not a time for @NZNationalParty to either lurch right or aim for populist appeal. Big challenge ahead to get the future leadership balance right
— Peter Dunne (@honpeterdunne) February 12, 2018
BTW 4 of the 6 frontrunners to lead National are women, 2 of the 6 are Maori and 4 are under 50. The times we live in. https://t.co/VWnvGCSz6u
— Simon Wilson (@simonbwilson) February 12, 2018
English's decision to step down was "purely personal".
— Tim Batt (@Tim_Batt) February 12, 2018
Truly, a Nat till the end.
Not ideal ‘optics’ for Paula Bennett #billenglish pic.twitter.com/Y4SFzegbqr
— Tova O'Brien (@TovaOBrien) February 12, 2018
Yet another political leader who "leaves voluntary", but with a big push - cartoon by Hubbard on Bill English's departure from the National Party leadership: pic.twitter.com/gSuCs1f10m
— Bryce Edwards (@bryce_edwards) February 12, 2018
Like so many Kiwis I am saddened to hear my close friend @RtHonBEnglish is leaving Parliament. Bill has given remarkable service to the @NZNationalParty and to a country he loves. His dry wit outstanding economic leadership and rolled Rs will be missed. Enjoy your new life mate.
— John Key (@RtHon_JohnKey) February 13, 2018
Just heard the news that Bill English has decided to stand down. Bill has made a huge contribution through his time in office and to politics generally. I admire those who serve NZ in this place, and Bill did for a long time, and he did it well. My best wishes @RtHonBEnglish
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) February 12, 2018
Bill English in an excellent @billyralston profile in 1991: "I see myself looking down the barrel of retirement, that's for sure. I've got young kids. The days when someone was in politics for 25 years are over."
— henry cooke (@henrycooke) February 13, 2018
A good moment to pause and re-read one of NZ's great poems, "There's the hill out there".https://t.co/Hn1E288gt1
— Toby Manhire (@toby_etc) February 12, 2018
I have hugely enjoyed working with Bill over 9 years as his associate and then as his Finance Minister, and back further when I helped him reorganise the party.
— Steven Joyce (@stevenljoyce) February 13, 2018
Tremendous service to NZ - sorry to see him go@RtHonBEnglish pic.twitter.com/iy9RmkVBtr
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