An example of what NOT to do in politics..

Judith Collins has become her own collateral damage, after demoting apparent rival Simon Bridges for comments he made, and apologised for, five years ago.

The move backfired, with the National party caucus taking a vote of no confidence in her yesterday.

Shane Reti is interim leader of the party until a vote on Tuesday.

Political commentator Ben Thomas says Collins probably knew she'd never be leading the party at the next general election.

He says she chose her own execution time as leader, by orchestrating a hit job on Simon Bridges.

Commentator Neale Jones thinks Collins pressed the nuclear button on a rival -- and didn't care about what happened in the process.

He suggests Labour's transition from Andrew Little to Jacinda Ardern is a perfect example of how to switch leaders -- as he endorsed his successor.

The National caucus will meet next Tuesday to decide upon a new leadership team.