Bill English is the Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Leader of the National Party, Minister of Finance, Minister for Infrastructure and MP for Clutha / Southland. He was first elected to Parliament in 1990 as MP for Wallace, a large rural electorate covering the deep south-west end of New Zealand. Bill was born in Dipton, Southland, and farmed in the area.

He completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Otago University, followed by a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Literature at Victoria University in Wellington.

Bill held ministerial posts in education, health, revenue and finance and he was leader of the National Party from October 2001 to October 2003.

Bill's wife Mary is a General Practitioner and they have six children, Luke, Thomas, Maria, Rory, Bartholomew and Xavier.