MP Phillida Bunkle will not be reappointed to a position in the Executive of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton said today.

"I have made a recommendation to the Prime Minister and she has accepted it.

"While Phillida Bunkle has been cleared of any formal wrong-doing, there are still unresolved issues in the public mind following the review of her enrolment status by the Registrar of Electors.

"In my view it is not appropriate for her to hold Ministerial office while public perceptions remain that there has not been adequate political accountability.

"Phillida Bunkle has the opportunity now to prove herself, restore public confidence and be recommended for executive office in the future.

"She has considerable courage, dedication and insight as a political figure and I would hope this would again be available to the Alliance and the Government in executive office," Jim Anderton said.

Phillida Bunkle will not be replaced in the Executive at this point.

Jim Anderton will continue to hold Ms Bunkle's former portfolios of Customs and Consumer Affairs.

Any re-allocation of the portfolios will be considered in coming months.

ENDS

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