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'She is my greatest handbrake': Bridges shuts down mayor talk

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 19:11 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Simon Bridges, the former National Party leader and long‑time MP for North Shore, has announced that he will not pursue a bid for the Auckland mayoralty. The decision comes after a brief period of speculation that saw the former party head weigh the possibility of standing in the city’s next mayoral election, and it comes at a time when the city’s political landscape is already shifting dramatically.

A quick rise to national prominence

Bridges entered Parliament in 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks of the National Party, serving as deputy leader, finance minister, and eventually the party’s leader in 2018. He is best known for his leadership during the 2017 general election, when the National Party won the most seats but failed to secure a majority, leading to a coalition with the New Zealand First party. His tenure was marked by a focus on fiscal conservatism, deregulation, and a pragmatic approach to policy that earned him a reputation as a “middle‑ground” politician. After losing the leadership contest in 2020, Bridges remained an MP until 2023, when he announced his intention to step back from active politics.

Speculation about an Auckland mayoralty bid

The speculation that Bridges might run for mayor began in late 2023, when he was quoted in a local media interview as saying, “I’ve been thinking about whether a former MP could bring fresh ideas to the council, and I’m open to the idea if the right opportunity arises.” The comment sparked a flurry of commentary from Aucklanders and political analysts alike, who noted that Bridges’ experience on the national stage could offer a new perspective on the city’s long‑standing challenges—from transport infrastructure and housing affordability to climate resilience.

The mayoral race itself is set to take place in 2025, after the current mayor, Phil Goff, announced he would not seek re‑election. Goff, who has served as mayor since 2016, cited a desire to spend more time with his family and to focus on national politics as reasons for stepping down. His departure has opened the field to a wide range of candidates, including local councilors, business leaders, and former politicians. Bridges’ name appeared early in the media’s list of “potential candidates,” which also included names such as local councilor Claire Graham and former New Zealand First MP Tania Mills.

Why Bridges pulled the plug

In a statement released by his office on Monday, Bridges clarified that he had decided against standing for mayor. “After careful consideration and conversations with my family, I have concluded that the next step for me is to focus on other opportunities outside of elected office,” he said. He added that he would remain active in public life through speaking engagements and policy research, but would not pursue a position that demands full-time commitment.

The timing of the announcement came only a few weeks after Bridges’ announcement that he was stepping down as a Member of Parliament. Analysts suggest that the decision is linked to the desire to avoid the perception that he is “running for a different office” after a short stint in parliament. As the former party leader, Bridges has also faced criticism for his time in office, particularly over the handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings and the economic fallout from the COVID‑19 pandemic. By stepping away from politics now, he may be seeking to preserve his legacy and avoid further scrutiny.

Reaction from the political community

Bridges’ announcement has drawn a mixed reaction from Auckland’s political circles. Phil Goff, who is now a senior advisor to the New Zealand government, praised Bridges for his decision, saying, “Simon has always been a thoughtful, principled politician. It’s good that he is taking the time to think through what is best for both him and for Auckland.” Former National Party leader Judith Collins also expressed support, stating that “the city needs leaders who are ready to commit fully to the role, and Simon has chosen the right path for himself.”

In contrast, some local councilors felt that Bridges’ withdrawal removed a potentially strong candidate from the field. Claire Graham, who ran for mayor in 2019 and finished third, said, “It’s a loss for Auckland that a candidate of Simon’s calibre is not in the running. But we respect his decision and look forward to his future contributions to public life.” Meanwhile, community groups concerned with infrastructure development welcomed the announcement, noting that a mayoral candidate with Bridges’ policy experience could have accelerated reforms in public transport and housing.

What’s next for Bridges?

While Simon Bridges will no longer be an elected official, his influence on New Zealand politics is unlikely to wane entirely. In a joint press release with his former staff, Bridges hinted at a forthcoming memoir that will detail his decade‑long career in politics, offering insights into the inner workings of the National Party, the challenges of coalition government, and his personal reflections on leadership. The book is slated for release later this year and is expected to generate significant interest among political scholars and the general public alike.

In addition, Bridges has announced plans to join the board of a national think‑tank focused on economic policy, where he will bring his experience in fiscal matters to bear on policy recommendations for the government. He has also expressed interest in engaging with the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors.

The decision to withdraw from a mayoral bid may be a strategic move for Bridges, allowing him to maintain a constructive relationship with the political establishment while positioning himself as a respected commentator on national policy. For Auckland, the announcement clears the field for other candidates, and for Bridges, it signals a transition from active politics to influential public discourse.