17 October 2005 Media Statement

Cabinet elected

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced tonight the result of the ballot conducted by the Labour caucus for positions in the Cabinet.

Helen Clark and Michael Cullen, as leader and deputy leader, are elected automatically, and Jim Anderton holds a Cabinet position by virtue of the coalition agreement with the Progressive Party.

A ballot was held for the remaining 17 places. Eleven serving ministers were re-elected and six new ministers were elected.

Serving ministers re-elected:

Hon Rick Barker
Hon David Benson-Pope
Hon Mark Burton
Hon Chris Carter
Hon Ruth Dyson
Hon Phil Goff
Hon Pete Hodgson
Hon Parekura Horomia
Hon Annette King
Hon Steve Maharey
Hon Trevor Mallard

New ministers elected:

Clayton Cosgrove
Hon David Cunliffe
Lianne Dalziel
Nanaia Mahuta
Hon Damien O'Connor
David Parker

Helen Clark said the Hon Jim Sutton did not contest the ballot.

"I will be appointing him as Minister of Trade Negotiations, with Cabinet ranking, till the end of the year so that he is available for the important Hong Kong ministerial meeting of the WTO," Helen Clark said.

Helen Clark said that she and Dr Cullen would be working on Tuesday to determine portfolio allocations and appointments of members of the executive outside Cabinet.

The objective is to have ministers sworn in on Wednesday afternoon.

ENDS

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