More members of National's "old guard" will be contemplating their futures as party heavyweight Steven Joyce retires, says 1 NEWS political reporter Katie Bradford.
Former finance minister Joyce is quitting politics, his announcement today coming just a week after losing a leadership bid.
"I think there'll be a few more of this old guard contemplating their futures as well. [I'm] talking there about Chris Finlayson, David Carter, possibly Gerry Brownlee and Nick Smith as well," Bradford said tonight.
But the former Finance Minister insists it's not sour grapes. (Source: Other)
Mr Joyce had been told he would retain a front bench position in new leader Simon Bridges' reshuffle, but wouldn't be getting the plum finance portfolio.
But Mr Joyce said he's not sure he would have stayed the full two-and-a-half year term even if he had been offered the finance role, and insists he has confidence in Mr Bridges as National leader.
Mr Bridges told reporters he thinks that "over time you will see retirements".
"But I don't think there'll be a lot. And I think in terms of this reshuffle, I don't think that you'll see that."
Bradford says Mr Joyce's departure means Mr Bridges "has a clear deck and there's space there for his reshuffle".
The National Party leader says the retiring MP has been an exceptional political figure. (Source: Other)
"It means he can put his feet under his desk and think about how he wants National to go forward," she said.
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