National Party leader Simon Bridges says Amy Adams told him months ago about her decision to leave.
Senior National Party MP Amy Adams announced yesterday she'll leave Parliament at the next election and relinquished her portfolio responsibilities, prompting leader Simon Bridges to reshuffle his caucus line-up.
Paul Goldsmith picked up finance and infrastructure, Chris Bishop was promoted to take over Paul Goldsmith's shadow portfolios of transport and regional development, while Todd McClay picked up economic development and Brett Hudson police. Gerry Brownlee takes over responsibility for foreign affairs.
Mr Bridges told Morning Report today the reshuffle showed the depth of talent in the National team.
Watch Mr Bridges full interview on Morning Report here:
Mr Bridges said he'd known of Amy Adams' plans to resign for months and Alastair Scott's for weeks.
He claimed the resulting caucus reshuffle showed "a talent, a substance and deep where quite seamlessly I can bring bring forward proven talent because we are brimming with it".
He also said it was a party that high flyers wanted to join.
Simon Bridges reshuffles National caucus as Adams to go in 2020
Asked if Judith Collins had been demoted after having the infrastructure portfolio taken off her, Mr Bridges said that wasn't the case.
Mr Goldsmith was "the logical, the natural choice" for finance spokesperson, he said.
"He understands the economy, and what makes it tick and how to make it stronger.
He refused to say whether National was courting Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon or the other way around.
Repeatedly asked who had called who, Mr Bridges would not answer.