Bill English MP
National Party Finance Spokesman

11 June 2007

Clark fails to confirm Cullen as Finance Minister

National Party Finance spokesman Bill English says Helen Clark is again refusing to back Michael Cullen in his role as Finance Minister.

Asked this morning whether Dr Cullen would stay on as Finance Minister Helen Clark said, 'I've had no indication of that whatsoever, nor have I made any decision to do that and really I can't take that one any further at all'.

"That's hardly a ringing endorsement is it? Helen Clark is saying she hasn't made a decision."

Mr English says the lukewarm support for the Finance Minister comes after Jim Anderton revealed at the weekend that Michael Cullen was coming under intense internal pressure over his refusal to offer tax cuts.

"Meanwhile, speaking as an Associate Finance Minister, Phil Goff confirmed at a finance sector meeting I attended in Auckland last Wednesday that there will be personal tax cuts in next year's Budget.

"So who will be in charge of the finance portfolio when the announcement comes?"

ENDS

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