# Does National’s 'young fogey' deserve to be Finance Minister?

> National’s Health Minister Simeon Brown, 35, may become New Zealand’s Finance Minister despite being an arch conservative.
- Title: Does National’s 'young fogey' deserve to be Finance Minister?
- Summary: National’s Health Minister Simeon Brown, 35, may become New Zealand’s Finance Minister despite being an arch conservative.
- Keywords: national, simeon brown, finance minister, coalition government, opportunity party, chris luxon, act, new zealand first, cabinet, election 2026, NZ Herald
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/does-nationals-young-fogey-deserve-to-be-finance-minister-audrey-young/premium/MOR5IT7LIVH43CFZFHCNAQADHE
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: national, simeon brown, finance minister, coalition government, opportunity party, chris luxon, act, new zealand first, cabinet, politics, election 2026, news
## Coalition seat count
The coalition parties hold 67 seats, with 63% National, 19% Act, and 18% New Zealand First.
## Finance Minister debate
Health Minister Simeon Brown, 35, is considered a strong candidate for Finance Minister despite lacking communication skills.
## Brown’s background
Brown is an arch conservative with a sledgehammer communication style, contrasting with past Finance Ministers.
## Simeon Brown’s appeal
Brown has more communication impact than Erica Stanford, but lacks confidence in holding Finance portfolio.
## National’s leadership shift
Outgoing National MP Chris Bishop, 43, is a serious prospect for future leadership despite losing his seat.
## Health Minister’s exit
Simeon Brown will remain Health Minister if he wins Finance, but his communication style may not suit the role.
## National’s brains trust
National’s Cabinet team includes Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, and Paul Goldsmith, who held 18 portfolios between them.
## Harry Mowbray’s campaign
Harry Mowbray promoted the engineered overhang campaign to distort proportionality and discredit MMP.
## Mowbray’s view on voters
Mowbray claims swing voters are mainly women who vote with emotions, reducing political discourse to emotional appeals.
## Mowbray’s campaign impact
Mowbray’s vote-splitting campaign may have helped National’s party vote stay at 29% despite opposition.
## Seymour’s stance
Act leader David Seymour says Finance staying with National is non-negotiable, but everything else is negotiable.
## Luxon’s position
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon insists Finance must stay with National despite coalition pressures.
## Opportunity Party’s role
Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong holds talks with Luxon and Hipkins to discuss bottom lines.
## Coalition negotiations
National and Labour are negotiating over Finance Minister role while balancing coalition needs.
## National’s election result
National’s party vote dropped nationwide and in every single seat following the election.
## Brownlee’s exit
Former Speaker Gerry Brownlee joked about silver trays becoming tin foil plates before leaving Parliament.
## Key takeaway

National’s Health Minister Simeon Brown, 35, could become Finance Minister as National seeks to balance conservative leadership with coalition needs.