RECAP: Bill English resigns as National Party leader

The National Party leader says leadership speculation was just gossip and he has the confidence of his caucus.

National MPs are understood to be agitating about a potential change in the party's leadership, with questions about the role of the deputy Paula Bennett. Audio

National leader Bill English says he's "not surprised" his MPs have rallied behind him at the party's annual caucus retreat, insisting questions of his support are "not an issue".

The National Party has - for the first time - invited a handful of its list candidates next in line to join Parliament to its annual caucus retreat.

National MPs are heading into a two day caucus retreat about a week after a sudden burst of leadership speculation.