Race to replace New Zealand's Key grows to 3
In this May 26, 2016 photo, Finance Minister Bill English, right, walks with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to the House to deliver his Budget 2016 speech, in Wellington, New Zealand. New Zealand's popular Prime Minister John Key stunned the nation on Monday, Dec. 5 when he announced, in a breaking voice, he was resigning after eight years as leader. Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald via AP
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Three conservative New Zealand lawmakers say they will seek to lead the country after the surprise resignation of Prime Minister John Key.
The contenders are Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman and Corrections Minister Judith Collins. Several other National Party lawmakers on Tuesday said they haven't ruled out entering the race.
In New Zealand, the prime minister is chosen by the governing party's top lawmakers, who make up the caucus. The caucus is expected to make a decision at a meeting on Dec. 12.
Key had been a popular leader for eight years and was widely expected to contest a fourth straight election next year before he stunned the nation on Monday by announcing his resignation.
Key has endorsed English, who is also the finance minister.
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