He led the Party to its worst-ever result at the 2002 general election and was replaced as leader by first-term MP Don Brash in October 2003.
Notably, first-term MP and former Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash was appointed to the Finance portfolio and ranked third.
English was elected to the National Party leadership in October 2001, succeeding Jenny Shipley.
[2] Of note was English's decision to retain the Finance portfolio, which he had held under Shipley and had indicated he would relinquish as leader.
[6][7] Later changes to the National lineup included Richard Worth succeeding Max Bradford in Defence[8] and Katherine Rich replacing John Luxton in Tourism, both in June 2002;[9] Bradford and Luxton had announced they would not contest the 2002 election.