Key said on Monday he was stepping down to spend more time with his family. His surprise announcement came before the end of his third term, and the ruling National Party is to have a leadership contest to find a replacement.

Key’s deputy and Finance Minister Bill English said on Tuesday he had asked the caucus to select him as the leader of the National Party.

"This country is uniquely placed to improve the lives of New Zealanders and I want to ensure we take the opportunity to make that happen … I know the talent, energy and focus of the National Party team and would welcome the opportunity to lead it," he wrote on Facebook. English, who is considered to be a frontrunner, said he had a "particular interest" in tackling the island nation’s social problems and reshaping the government to more effectively support people with complicated needs. Health Minister Jonathan Coleman was second to confirm to reporters he would be putting his name forward for the party leadership next Monday.

"It’s a job I’ve been thinking about for a long, long time. I am seeking the party leadership and I am absolutely up for the challenge," Coleman said after the National caucus meeting.

"I believe I`ve got the energy, I`ve got the relative youth on my side, and I am absolutely focused on winning this leadership contest," the 50-year-old said. Police Minister Judith Collins joined the race hours later, saying the leadership position should go to the "best person for the job," as quoted by the New Zealand Herald newspaper.

As the only female contender so far, she said the National Party needed to connect to both men and women, "and I believe I can do that," Collins added.

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