Hide's future as an MP in doubt

Rodney Hide's future as an MP is in doubt now he has been ousted by Don Brash as leader of the ACT Party.

Mr Hide holds the Epsom seat and had intended fighting to keep it in the November election, but Dr Brash wants former Auckland mayor John Banks to be ACT's candidate.

If that happens, the only way back for Mr Hide would be a high place on ACT's list and Dr Brash would have a hand in that too.

Dr Brash has already said he doesn't think Mr Hide should stay in Parliament because it is "awkward" for former leaders to continue to hold their seats.

Mr Hide told NZPA yesterday he wasn't going to make any hasty decisions about his future, and the Epsom issue was up to the party.

"Ultimately I've got to get through this, concentrating on the transfer of leadership and the maintenance of the Government and then I can start reflecting on that and talk to the party," he said.

Mr Hide stood down as party leader yesterday after it became clear he didn't have the backing of his caucus to stay in the job.

He endorsed Dr Brash and pledged to support the 70-year-old former National Party leader who has been his friend for 15 years.

"ACT needs to step up to the next level to ensure not just centre-right government but a good, strong centre-right government...I think Don Brash can get that step up," he said.

Mr Hide had the confirmed support of only one of his four MPs -- his deputy John Boscawen.

Hilary Calvert, who earlier in the week said she was backing Mr Hide, refused to state her position after a meeting with Dr Brash on Wednesday.

Ms Calvert said yesterday she hadn't told Mr Hide or Dr Brash about what her position was, but she felt Mr Hide had made the best decision for the party.

Mr Hide said he didn't test caucus attitudes.

"I didn't run around fighting it or trying to do the numbers...the crucial vote was mine, really," he said.

The other two MPs, Sir Roger Douglas and Heather Roy, have made no secret of their disapproval of the way Mr Hide was leading the party.

Before Mr Hide announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister John Key had said he could work with Dr Brash although he found some of his views extreme.

A spokesman for Mr Key said the support agreement between the Government and ACT would not change, and Mr Hide could continue as a minister.