She's out, she's in: Why Paula Bennett wasn't included in initial coalition meeting with Winston Peters

October 9, 2017

Bill English explains the negotiating team on TVNZ1’s Breakfast this morning. (Source: Other)

National's deputy leader Paula Bennett was included in the party's first formal negotiations with Winston Peters yesterday, after being left out from the ground-rules talk with NZ First last week. 

On TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning, National leader Bill English said this was due to members of his team only being included if they were needed. 

"Essentially I'm the chief negotiator and we just use members of the team as is relevant to the issues that are being discussed."

National's deputy leader is willing to make the sacrifice if it means her party gets back into power. (Source: Other)

Ms Bennett has maintained she's willing to give up her role of deputy prime minister to Winston Peters in any coalition deal.

She said last week she did not have much of a relationship with Mr Peters as she hasn't worked with him on any projects or select committees.

TVNZ1's Breakfast host Hilary Barry compared the discussions with Winston Peters to a first date, and asked what the vibe was. (Source: Other)

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