Sunday Panel: Prince Philip's death and Judith Collins' future as leader

The future of Judith Collins as the National Party leader has once again dominated headlines this week.
Rumours of a Simon Bridges/Christopher Luxon ticket swirled earlier in the week after a NZ Herald report, though all parties are denying that the two are plotting to roll Collins any time soon. 
However, speaking on The Sunday Panel with Francesca Rudkin, journalist Frances Cook says Press Gallery journalists are likely to be hearing stories coming from somewhere - even if any plans are not strong enough to write an article. 
"They are talking to politicians all the time. They know who in the party is starting to get itchy feet."
She says that these pieces can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. 
"Once people starting talking about your replacement, you are covered in the stench of failure." 
National Party member and columnist Liam Hehir says that he has spoken with some members this week, and they are denying that this ticket is an option. 
However, he says almost every MP sees themselves as a potential leader and Prime Minister. 
"There's always going to be in politics whenever there's any hint of vulnerability speculation, there will be people trying to wind themselves up to take over when the time is right."
He says that the time isn't right for any of those potential leadership candidates - and that would be a year out from the next election. 
Listen above as the Sunday Panel also discusses the future of the Royal Family in the wake of Prince Philip's death

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