NZ opposition chooses new leader after shock resignation

14/7/2020 18:47

        Long-serving lawmaker Judith Collins will lead New Zealand's opposition National Party into a general election against a popular government in just over two months, taking over from Todd Muller, who quit the leadership citing health reasons.
        
        Muller shocked lawmakers in the right-of-center party when he issued a statement saying he was stepping down "effective immediately." The 67-year-old former business executive had led the party for only 53 days, toppling previous leader Simon Bridges in a leadership coup amid National's stagnant polling numbers.
        
        Collins was chosen to take over the leadership in a hastily arranged meeting of the party’s parliamentary caucus in Wellington. She is National's fourth leader in three years and its second female leader.