WELLINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - New Zealand Finance Minister Bill English, the front-runner to replace outgoing Prime Minister John Keys, said on Thursday he would name senior Cabinet minister Steven Joyce as his finance ministry replacement if he wins the top job.
Key surprisingly announced his resignation this week and has endorsed English to replace him, with a special caucus meeting to vote on a new leader on Monday. Joyce is the minister for economic development and associate minister of finance.
"If I become the leader that will be the case. I have worked with Steven for the last eight years. He has got a fantastic set of skills," English said of Joyce.