This is your captain speaking

In this extract from Blue Blood, political reporter ANDREA VANCE charts the rise of Christopher Luxon to National's top job.

- ANDREA VANCE

In the six tumultuous days after Judith Collins' leadership imploded in November 2021, Simon Bridges wrestled with a dilemma. The National leadership contest came down to a choice between himself and ambitious former airline chief Christopher Luxon. A poll just before Collins was jettisoned had registered both men in the preferred PM rankings, neck-and-neck on 2.5%.

Bridges had worked hard to restore his public image in the months since he'd been rolled as leader. He was wiser and more resilient. Writing his memoirs was a form of political rehab, but it had also allowed him to reflect on solutions for the widening wealth gap and inequity in the education system. It was his personal manifesto. He would also be taking back the reins in an entirely different climate. The country's mood had shifted, more fractious after nearly two years of the pandemic and less enamoured with Jacinda Ardern's leadership.

As Key had, Bridges drew inspiration from former Australian prime minister John Howard, who led his Liberal Party to defeat in 1987 before being ousted by his deputy Andrew Peacock. Howard rose to the top again, and went on to win four elections. In July 2018, Bridges and his wife, Natalie, had dined with Howard, who offered his advice and support. The Aussie political Lazarus had opened National's annual conference that year, urging MPs to get in behind Bridges, their new leader. "Proud as you may be of your former leaders, every new leader is entitled to make his own impression," Howard said. In 2021, Bridges was ready for another crack.