Judith Collins says she won't be having another go at the National Party leadership, calling it a "really, really rotten job". But others aren't so sure.
The party's 16th-ranked MP had a go in 2016 after John Key resigned, but dropped out of the race when it became clear Bill English had the numbers.
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But despite Mr English losing his second election as leader, Ms Collins doesn't want to replace him.
"I'm not going to. It's not happening," she told The AM Show on Friday. "I'm very happy doing what I'm doing and supporting Bill and the National Party. And hopefully every single day making life a bit difficult for Phil [Twyford, Labour MP and Housing Minister]."
AM Show host Duncan Garner told Ms Collins that Jacinda Ardern also vehemently denied wanting to lead her party, right before she took over from Andrew Little. A few months later, she became the Prime Minister.
"Well, whatever," replied Ms Collins.
Mr Twyford, appearing on The AM Show alongside Ms Collins, teased the former Police Minister - saying it's clear she is setting up a spill.
"We've hardly seen Bill English. I hear from Judith almost every day."
He suggested she's not the only one, however.
"What about Simon Bridges? He's clearly making a run. He's got something to say every day. We're seeing all this positioning - Judith, Simon, Steven [Joyce, former Finance Minister], Amy Adams is there in the background."
Mr English led National to an historic thumping in 2002, winning only 21 percent of the vote. Despite leading National to an impressive 44.5 percent at this year's election, without any coalition partners National was punted into Opposition.
He'll be hoping it's third time lucky in 2020 - he intends lead the party into the next election.
Newshub.
