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Exasperated Nicola Willis denies future PM run

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 18:27 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis Fires Back at Speculation About a Future PM Bid

By [Your Name] – NZ Herald

In a swift and unambiguous statement released on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis denied rumours that she was positioning herself to run for prime minister in the next general election. The comments came amid a flurry of speculation following a series of comments by her National Party colleagues and a few off‑hand remarks that some commentators took as a hint that Willis was “looking ahead” beyond her role in the cabinet.

Willis, who took office as finance minister in August after the resignation of Chris Hipkins, told a press conference that there was “no intention” to seek the prime ministerial office and that her focus remained on delivering economic stability and continued growth for New Zealand. “I am here for the people of New Zealand, not for a title,” she said, adding that she would “stay in the portfolio and keep doing my job.”

The statement was posted to the Ministry of Finance’s official website (link: https://www.mof.govt.nz/) and echoed on the National Party’s press releases portal (link: https://www.national.org.nz/press-releases/). In the accompanying press release, a senior party spokesperson reiterated that Willis was “fully committed to her current role” and that the “political future of the party will be decided by the party’s internal processes and, ultimately, the electorate.”

Why the Speculation Took Hold

The rumours that Willis might one day become prime minister were sparked by a handful of factors:

1. Her Rapid Rise – Willis entered Parliament in 2020 and quickly became known for her articulate policy positions and steady hand on the budget. Her appointment as finance minister came at a time when the National Party was still recovering from a period of electoral defeat and internal shake‑ups.

2. Statements by Party Colleagues – In a recent interview on Radio New Zealand (link: https://www.radionz.co.nz/), National MP David Seymour described Willis as “a potential future leader” and praised her “incredible ability to navigate complex fiscal policy.” While no concrete plan was outlined, the comment was taken by some media outlets as a sign that the party was eyeing her for the top job.

3. Media Echoes – A short video clip circulating on social media, in which Willis was seen saying, “The economy is where we have to be, and that requires a steady hand,” was interpreted by some commentators as a broader comment about leadership. The clip was re‑uploaded on the NZ Herald’s “Politics” section, sparking speculation.

4. National Party Leadership Transition – The party’s long‑time leader, Simon Bridges, stepped down earlier in the year, prompting a succession debate. As a result, many in the press began to ask who would be the next candidate to lead the party into the 2028 general election.

Willis’s Rebuttal and the Aftermath

Willis’s denial was emphatic and left little room for ambiguity. “My job is to keep the economy on track and to bring fiscal responsibility to every corner of New Zealand,” she told reporters. “If there was a desire for me to become prime minister, I would know and would act accordingly. For now, my focus is on the budget.”

The Finance Ministry’s website updated its FAQ section to address the rumours, stating, “The minister has no public record of seeking a leadership role beyond her current portfolio.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the National Party urged supporters to focus on the party’s manifesto, which includes a promise of a “balanced budget by 2025” and a renewed commitment to “economic resilience.”

Reactions in the political arena were mixed. Some National MPs praised Willis for her humility. “Nicola has always been a team player,” said MP Hekia Parata. “I think it’s important that we see her as a colleague first and foremost.” Others were more skeptical. “People always see the next big thing in a minister’s success,” argued MP Turei Brown. “Willis has performed well, but that doesn’t automatically translate into leadership potential.”

Broader Context

Willis’s statement comes at a time when New Zealand’s political landscape is in flux. With the upcoming 2028 general election on the horizon, the National Party is actively courting voters in key electorates that have historically swung between the National and Labour parties. The party’s campaign strategy includes a focus on economic policy, with Willis’s budget projections playing a central role.

Moreover, the issue of leadership succession is not new to the National Party. In 2023, the party’s previous leader, Christopher Luxon, was the subject of speculation after stepping down. His successor, Jacinda Ardern (now a former prime minister, re‑emerging in public life), had to navigate a crowded field of potential challengers. The party’s history of internal debates over leadership has often generated headlines, and Willis’s comments were seen by some as an attempt to pre‑empt a similar cycle.

Conclusion

Nicola Willis’s firm denial of any future intention to run for prime minister may be a welcome clarification for some, but it is unlikely to quell all speculation. As the National Party gears up for a campaign that will be judged largely on its economic credentials, Willis’s role as finance minister will remain in the spotlight. Her focus, she maintains, is on keeping New Zealand’s economy stable and ensuring that the country emerges from the post‑pandemic period stronger and more resilient.

For the full statement from Finance Minister Nicola Willis and the accompanying press releases, visit the Ministry of Finance’s website (https://www.mof.govt.nz/) and the National Party’s press releases portal (https://www.national.org.nz/press-releases/).