Review: John Key Portrait of a Prime Minister book

Some people question why New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is so popular and don't understand it.  As you're reading his biography: John Key, Portrait of a Prime Minister it is very clear why he has the support of the majority of New Zealanders.

John Key had a humble upbringing in Christchurch's Burnside with a solo mother who worked low paid jobs and raised her three children on welfare and the income from her job while living in a state house which she was able to secure because she was a widow.  Early on in his life John Key decided he wanted to make $1 million and be Prime Minister of New Zealand.

He almost didn't.  While he was growing up he had a friend who wanted to leave school to get a job, but his mother Ruth Key simply said "no" and the conversation ended.  He finished school, not with exceptional grades and then went onto university where he had planned to study Economics but ended up doing Accounting.

From there he worked for several firms.  When he wanted to become a currency trader he was originally turned down as the recruitment staff thought he would be better as a sales rep.  The reality is, Key wanted the excitement that came with being a currency trader.  He so knew how to read scenarios and has a very good business mind.  He gave his son Max some wisdom that you could lose money eight out of 10 days but if you make more on two then it doesn't matter, and that it's better to get commissions than a salary because of the possible increase in income.  Due to his poor upbringing Key doesn't fritter away his money like many of the other young currency traders did.

He made his million, actually 50 times more than that and then decided to return to New Zealand to enter politics and it was very clear early on that he would eventually be the leader.  He wanted to learn from existing MPs on what they did that made them successful and he wanted to become leader of the National Party.  As early as 2004 he had discussions with former leader Don Brash but in order to secure the leadership he required the support of Gerry Brownlee so that Bill English would be deputy leader.

John Key became the leader and ultimately won the 2008 election.  Since his time in office there have been numerous national disasters - the Christchurch earthquakes and the Pike River mining incident which left 29 men dead.  Key has an ability to stay calm, probably a character trait from his time as a currency trader in New York and London.

Key is successful as Prime Minister because he is able to read the public mood and sense what they want, this probably because of his time as a currency trader.  He is used to taking calculated risks.

Towards the end of the book it becomes very clear that Key hates to lose so when the tide begins to turn that is when he will step down as the leader.  I anticipate this will be in 2018 when Steven Joyce or Judith Collins will take over as leader.  Who will be leader will entirely depend upon the mood of the nation at the time.

All in all, I think this book is well worth reading as it offers a great insight into what makes a successful Prime Minister and how you should approach politics if you want to succeed.