A week is a long time in politics

MPs Andrew Bayly, Chris Bishop and Simeon Brown at the SuprBlues meeting held at Howick Bowling Club on Friday.

On Friday morning more than 140 National Party loyalists gathered at Howick Bowling Club for the SuperBlues meeting to be hosted by Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross.

With the political earthquake that has shaken up the nation, everyone wanted to know what was happening to the Botany MP they had trusted and supported.

It was Ross who had organised the regular monthly meeting of senior Blues supporters, prior to the unfortunate turn of events.

But it was Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown, along with Hunua MP Andrew Bayly and MP from Hutt South Chris Bishop who spoke instead.

They reassured the National Party’s Advisory Group for Seniors that while they were all devastated by the sequence of events, the party had never been more united.

“We represent a party and its values and not ourselves,” the MPs said.

“Anyone who needs parliamentary support for things like ACC, law and order, immigration matters can come to us as neighbouring MPs.”

After the meeting Brown, accompanied by Bishop and Bayly dropped in at the ‘Times’ office to discuss how the electorate would be represented.

“The recent turn of events has had a huge impact on his family and we are worried about them as we are of Jami-Lee,” said Bayly.

“They say a week is a long time in politics. The past week certainly has been for the National Party and the people of Botany. Our thoughts are with Jami-Lee Ross and his family.

“But what hasn’t changed for us is the National’s Party’s dedication to the Botany Electorate, our continued focus on our core values and our focus on holding this Government to account.

“We appreciate that the people of Botany will feel let down. You elected a representative on the basis that they were a National MP,” he said.

“But now we move on from here with a focus on the economy and the impact of fuel prices.”

Brown and Bishop agreed saying they were behind the Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges. “While this has been a shock to all of us, we are now forward looking. We will work tirelessly to represent you at Parliament. Our focus will remain on holding the Government to account and working to represent our constituents,” said Brown.

At the National caucus meeting on Tuesday morning it was officially decided that Brown will act as contact National Party MP for Botany should the people in the electorate have any concerns that they want taken to Wellington.

Brown will also be supported by Bayly.