McLay offered Muldoon the role of Overseas Trade spokesperson, ranked at number ten of the caucus and the same post that Keith Holyoake had held after he had stepped down as National's leader.

"[5][6] An upcoming leadership challenge before year's end was discussed by the media, and lists of supporters of McLay and his possible successor, Bolger, were printed.

The issue came to a head when at the 5 December 1985 caucus meeting, McLay asked three times whether anybody wanted to add anything to the agenda, including the question of leadership.

In return, Bolger promoted Muldoon to the front bench, and the former prime minister became National's spokesperson for foreign affairs.

[11] Coincidentally National announced a merger with the New Zealand Party the same day which was overshadowed in the media by news of the leadership change.