Newshub can reveal Simon Bridges is planning to stay on and contest Tauranga this election.
After being rolled on Friday by Todd Muller, a defiant Bridges has told Newshub he won't be pushed from the party.
"Just to be clear, after the reshuffle today, I am not considering my future," Bridges told Newshub. "Just having a small amount of time out to take stock after the loss on Friday."
This was a direct smack-down to Muller suggesting Bridges was considering his future.
When announcing his reshuffle, Muller said, "Former leader Simon Bridges has asked for time to reflect on his future. Should he wish to continue serving as an MP he would be in Shadow Cabinet."
Bridges told Newshub: "I am candidate for Tauranga and intend to stand and help National obtain an historic win!"
Muller says there would be a place for Bridges in his Cabinet should he decide to stay in politics.
