National Party deputy Shane Reti is now caretaker leader while a decision on the leadership is put on hold for next week.
It comes after a three hour caucus meeting on Thursday, in which now ousted leader Judith Collins was given the boot in a no confidence motion within 30 minutes.
Mark Mitchell and Christopher Luxon are in the running for the leadership and a decision will be made next week. The caucus wants time to consider their options to be sure they make the right decision.
Luxon is running with Nicola Willis as his potential deputy.
