Bill English: A Comprehensive Bio including Age, Height, Figure, and Net Worth

Bill English, a prominent figure in New Zealand's political landscape, served as the country's Prime Minister from 2016 to 2017, and was a member of parliament for over 27 years. During his tenure as the leader of the National Party, he brought about several notable changes to the country's economic and social policies. Born on December 30, 1961, in Lumsden, Southland, New Zealand, Bill English grew up in a dairy farming family. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago and later, completed a Diploma in Theology from the Catholic Theological Institute in Melbourne. He then worked as a policy analyst, before being elected to parliament in 1990. Throughout his career, English held various cabinet positions, including deputy prime minister, minister of finance and minister of health. In 2016, he became the leader of the National Party and consequently, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. This article delves into the life of Bill English, his illustrious career in politics, his contributions to New Zealand, as well as his personal life and fortune. So, let us take a closer look at the man behind the politician, and learn more about his journey and accomplishments.

Early Life and Education

Bill English was born on December 30, 1961, in Lumsden, New Zealand. He was brought up in a farming family, and his childhood was spent working on his family's farm. English attended St. Patrick's College in Upper Hutt, Wellington, where he excelled both academically and on the sports field.

After completing high school, English went on to study commerce at the University of Otago in Dunedin. Throughout his university years, English was heavily involved in various clubs and societies, including the University of Otago Students' Association and the Otago University Business School.

Following his graduation, English worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries before heading overseas to work in engineering and finance roles in the United States and Italy. These experiences would prove valuable later in his political career, where he would draw on his diverse background to craft economic policies that would benefit New Zealand.

Political Career

Bill English began his political career in 1990 when he was elected as the National Party MP for Wallace. He quickly rose through the ranks and became the Minister of Crown Health Enterprises and later the Minister of Health.

In 2001, English was elected as the Leader of the National Party. Although he failed to win the 2002 general election, he remained the party leader until 2003.

English continued to serve as an MP in various roles and was appointed as the Minister of Finance in 2008 by Prime Minister John Key. He held this position for almost nine years and was responsible for managing the country's finances during a period of economic growth.

During his time in politics, English was known for his strong stance on fiscal responsibility and his support for policies that promoted economic growth. He was also a vocal advocate for social issues such as education reform and healthcare.

After announcing his resignation from politics in 2018, English was praised by colleagues and opponents alike for his contributions to New Zealand's political landscape.

Leadership of the National Party

Bill English was elected as the leader of the National Party, New Zealand's largest political party, following the resignation of former leader John Key in 2016. English had been a member of the party for over 27 years and had served in various ministerial positions, including Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

As leader of the National Party, English focused on continuing the economic policies of the previous government and promoting social investment to address issues such as child poverty and mental health. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships with New Zealand's international partners and enhancing the country's reputation as a trading nation.

English led the National Party into the 2017 general election, where they won the most votes of any party, but ultimately lost to a coalition led by the Labour Party. Despite this, English maintained his position as leader of the National Party until he announced his resignation from politics in 2018.

During his time as leader, English was praised for his calm and measured leadership style, his ability to connect with rural and working-class voters, and his willingness to tackle difficult issues such as housing affordability and immigration. He also faced criticism for his conservative social views and for his role in proposing controversial legislation, such as the "social investment approach" to welfare reform.

Key Accomplishments as Prime Minister

Rebuilding Christchurch

As Prime Minister, Bill English implemented a plan to help rebuild the city of Christchurch following the devastating earthquake in 2011. He allocated funds to support the city's infrastructure, housing, and innovation efforts. His government also supported the construction of new public facilities, including the Margaret Mahy Family Playground and the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.

Reducing Unemployment

Another key accomplishment of Bill English as Prime Minister was his effort to reduce unemployment in New Zealand. He implemented policies that helped increase job growth and lower unemployment rates. His government worked closely with businesses to provide training and support for employees, which led to a significant decrease in unemployment from 7.3% in 2012 to 4.5% in 2017.

Budget Surpluses

During his term as Prime Minister, Bill English also focused on achieving budget surpluses. He introduced measures to reduce government spending and increased revenue through tax reforms. These efforts resulted in budget surpluses in the last two fiscal years of his term. The surpluses were put towards paying off the national debt and investing in infrastructure projects such as roads and schools.

Trade and International Relations

Bill English also prioritised strengthening international ties and trade relationships during his time as Prime Minister. He was a strong advocate for free trade agreements and worked to improve New Zealand's access to global markets. His government signed a number of significant trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and the China Free Trade Agreement. These agreements have helped to boost New Zealand's economy and create more jobs for its citizens.

Current Endeavors and Legacy

Since retiring from politics, Bill English has continued to make positive impacts in various ways. He has taken on roles as a director of several companies, including environmental services and finance companies, and has also served as a board member for non-profit organizations such as the Plunket Society.

In terms of his legacy, English is remembered for his dedication to economic growth and responsible governance during his time as Prime Minister. He implemented key policies that led to the country's impressive economic performance, such as investment in infrastructure and tax cuts for businesses and low-income earners.

Beyond his economic accomplishments, English's efforts towards social and environmental issues also had a lasting impact. He played a major role in the establishment of the "Bluegreen" approach to environmental policy in New Zealand, which emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability and conservation efforts.

As a respected figure both in politics and the private sector, Bill English's contributions to New Zealand will continue to be recognized and appreciated for years to come.

FAQ

What is Bill English best known for?

Bill English is best known for being the 39th Prime Minister of New Zealand.

What is Bill English's background before entering politics?

Before entering politics, Bill English worked as a farmer and a Treasury analyst.