Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has taken aim at the Opposition leader in his New Zealand First annual conference speech this afternoon, saying Simon Bridges won't lead National at the 2020 election.
Mr Peters told supporters at the conference in Tauranga it had become clear since last year's election his party made the right choice in who they formed a coalition with.
"National's behaviour since the election has only confirmed our good sense in choosing to go with Labour," he said.
Mr Peters then singled out Mr Bridges who took over leadership of the National Party as Sir Bill English's successor in February this year.
"National is leaderless," Mr Peters said.
"It's a shell of its former self because it's been seduced by big money and marketing. Substance, you see, will always trump shallowness.
"So remember this - Simon Bridges will not lead National into the next election. He's a desperate man."
The latest 1 News Colmar Brunton poll in August showed Mr Bridges' support as preferred Prime Minister had dropped to 10 per cent.
SHARE ME