Mrs Wood silent on leadership issue

Press, 4 December 1985, Page 7

Mrs Wood silent on leadership issue

PA Auckland The president of the National Party, Mrs Sue Wood, last evening declined to comment on claims that a change in party leadership was imminent. She said she would not be drawn on “what appears to be a challenge situation.” Mrs Wood said she was reading the newspapers like everybody else but she would not comment because it was “all media speculation.” Any change in leadership would be “very much a matter for the National Party’s Parliamentary wing.” She said she could not even comment on behalf

of the party organisation. Asked about National Party members of Parliament who said publicly that changes were near, she said, “That is precisely why I am not getting involved.” Two National members of Parliament yesterday publicly spoke out on the prospects of a leadership change as lobbying among members of Parliament intensified. However, neither the Leader of the Opposition, Mr McLay, nor his deputy, Mr Bolger, would comment. Mr Bruce Townshend (Kaimai) said a change of leadership was close for his party with Mr Bolger the

only real contender for the top post. The former Minister of Tourism, Mr Rob Talbot, said he believed changes in the Parliamentary leadership and in the party’s organisational wing were necessary. “I think Mr Bolger is Kibly the man who can g the factions together and see the demise of the Sunday Club which at the present time has strong support” Mr Townshend denied there was any “deal” to give Sir Robert Muldoon a frontbench seat in return for supporting Mr Bolger.