Hide 54 Franks 46

The Association of Taxpayers and Consumers has a new leader and deputy; Rodney Hide and Muriel Newman respectively. Ken Shirley is whip.Big News is very pleased. At this afternoons press conference Richard Prebble said Hide will be a better leader. He'll have to do something about the poll rating, the newest (Maori) party has a higher poll rating already.

But will Hide be the man to get the party over the 5 percent threshold next year? Will he still be the most prolific MP blogger? We`ll see.