From NZ Herald · · 2m
Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis on National's election chances
National's Gerry Brownlee unsure if he'll return to Parliament after election amid low support.
In brief
National's Gerry Brownlee unsure if he'll return to Parliament after election amid low support. National's Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis say they'll return to Parliament if National wins party vote in 2026 election. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
National's election chances
National's Gerry Brownlee is unsure whether he will return to Parliament after the coming election.
Party vote uncertainty
Brownlee said his return depends on the party vote result and how many electorates National wins.
Polling data
National has been in the high-20s in recent polls, down from 38% in 2023 election.
List-only candidate
Brownlee is running as a list-only candidate needing a list position to return to Parliament.
List ranking
He is ranked ninth on the list with fourth place among those needing list positions.
Competing candidates
Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, and Paul Goldsmith are ahead of him on the list.
Current Speaker
Brownlee is the current Speaker of Parliament and initially reluctant to take questions.
Voter focus
He said voters would focus on their backpocket in this election between government and opposition.
Economic concerns
Brownlee warned about tax increases and economic impacts of the opposition's policies.
Vote splitting risks
He warned vote splitting could create a Parliament of 140-150 people making government formation difficult.
National's strategy
Brownlee said vote splitting is not a smart idea and people should vote for what they want.
Willis's goal
Willis aims to ensure National is re-elected to Government through party vote.
Willis's confidence
She said she is confident she will get back in Parliament after the election.
Goldsmith's campaign
Goldsmith posted a letter urging Epsom voters to give him both electorate and party votes.
Epsom strategy
National wants to retain both an Act and National MP in Epsom for the next government.
National's future
Brownlee said he has been in politics for a long time and wants a good result for National.
The main idea
National's Gerry Brownlee and Nicola Willis say they'll return to Parliament if National wins party vote in 2026 election.
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