A National Party MP has revealed to Newshub the leadership race is down to just two candidates.
The anonymous MP says the true competition to become the next leader of the National Party is between Finance Minister Bill English and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.
National has been spurred into action to appoint a new leader after the shock resignation of John Key on Monday.
A leadership meeting was held on Monday to decide who would put their names into the hat for the role. It is understood the meeting went until midnight.
Minister of Police and Corrections Judith Collins is in the running, however she has only mustered a few votes of support.
Paula Bennett is now expected to stay out of the race.
The MP also told Newshub there is a "sentiment for change" within the party - which could be expressed in a different style of management, or an unexpected leader or deputy.
Regardless of whether English or Coleman takes over, the MP said it was "time for renewal".
Newshub.
