brownlee challenged the vacant deputy leadership of the national party in 2001, but was defeated by bill english. english eventually succeeded to the leadership later that year. however, by 2003 brownlee was seen by labour party mp phil goff and scoop columnist paulo politico as a potential challenger to english's leadership. english was eventually replaced as national party leader by former reserve bank governor don brash. brownlee was thought to be a possible deputy leader to brash but declined to pursue the position, which went to nick smith.