National Party overwhelmingly backs change

The National Party has now signed off on a new look constitution, which, Leader Bill English says, will set the platform for a successful MMP campaign.

"There's a simple reason why we needed to change our constitution - so that we can win," he says.

More than 300 National Party delegates from throughout the country have been in Wellington to vote on the constitutional changes.

"After the last election there was a willingness to change, now that change has been embraced.

"The Party has been given the tools it needs to carry out a successful MMP campaign," says Mr English.

National Party President Judy Kirk is also welcoming the backing for a new party structure.

"It'll give more support and strength to our electorates by unifying the administration and leadership of the Party organisation.

"We want to put in place an organisation that will allow the National Party to win the next election and we want to take our membership along with us," Mrs Kirk says.

Strategic Review Coordinator Steven Joyce says the conference is the culmination of extensive consultation, pulling together expertise from every level of the Party structure.

"The National Party's constitution has undergone the most significant change in many years.

"The structural revamp will give National room to grow and flourish in an MMP environment.

"It puts a definite focus on winning the Party vote and sends a message to the membership that it's serious about the business of being elected," Mr Joyce says.

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