The National Caucus met this morning to discuss a press release issued last night about an allegation of an historic comment made by Hon Simon Bridges towards Jacqui Dean, Interim Leader of the Opposition Dr Shane Reti says.

“The Caucus was concerned with the content of the press release and the process by which it was issued.

“A motion for a vote of no confidence in the Leader was moved and that motion was successful.

“Hon Judith Collins took over leadership of the party at a particularly challenging time in our history and the Caucus acknowledges and thanks her for the hard work she put into leading National through the past year.

“As is party convention, I have assumed the role of interim leader until the Caucus meets again on Tuesday at which point we will choose a new leader.

“Over the next few days there will be a lot of discussion about what the future should look like for National. My focus is to be a steady pair of hands shepherding and guiding the waka as we make these important decisions.”