'They hate us': Outgoing National MP says party has gone 'too far to the right'
Outgoing New Zealand National MP Vanessa Weenink has expressed concern that her party has shifted too far to the right. She noted that constituents frequently voiced their dislike for the party during her campaign.
Why it matters
The internal critique highlights ongoing tensions within the National Party regarding its ideological direction and coalition management.
Outgoing MP for Banks Peninsula Vanessa Weenink is worried National will be pulled "too far to the right" as she reveals many of her constituents told her they hated National in the lead up to the election.
The former National MP called herself a "squishy centrist" and said she would "worry for the party that they don't have enough squishy centrists or you know woke liberals like Chris Bishop".
"The risk is that the party might be pulled too far to the right.
"The risk is that they'll feel like they really have to consolidate with their base."
Heading into Parliament for her final caucus, she told media she was "gutted" to lose her seat.
But she said people in her electorate were telling her that they hated National.
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