Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party

03 February 2011
Media Advisory

Labour Leader reveals new caucus line-up

Labour Leader Phil Goff has this morning unveiled an election-year line-up that provides a mix of experience and proven performers while showcasing some of the party’s exciting new talent.

“Our MPs will be a formidable team as we count down to the election on November 26. We will hold the Government to account for its failure to live up to its promises and to provide the economic leadership this country desperately needs,” said Phil Goff.

The Labour leader says he’s taken a balanced approach to the caucus changes.

“MPs who have proven themselves as ministers in the past continue to have a strong presence on the front bench. But newer MPs with fresh ideas and energy have also been promoted.”

Significant changes include the promotion of Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson to the front bench. He will also take responsibility for the challenging Health portfolio.

“Grant has made a very strong impact in a very short time. He is a first term MP but has already proven to be a formidable performer who can quickly grasp the issues. He has a promising future ahead of him.”

Economic Development spokesman David Parker also moves up the ranks from number 10 to 4 – a promotion based on his strong performance in policy development and his portfolios.

Labour’s chief whip Darren Hughes will take over the role of Education spokesperson from Trevor Mallard who picks up Shadow Leader of the House and Associate Finance roles.

Shane Jones also rises strongly up the ranks to number 13 and takes on Associate Māori Affairs (Economic Development), Transport, Infrastructure and Fisheries portfolios.

“Shane’s promotion after a difficult time last year recognises the hard work he has been putting in and the fact that he is a talented politician,” said Phil Goff.

Charles Chauvel and Sue Moroney are also rewarded for the energy and effort they’ve put into their portfolios with each moving up the rankings.

The strong performance by a number of relative newcomers to Parliament is also being recognised with the promotion of Su’a William Sio, Phil Twyford and Jacinda Ardern. The three MPs are being given the opportunity to prove themselves in key portfolios including Pacific Island Affairs, Local Government and Employment.

Other new MPs who’re proving to be movers and shakers are David Shearer, Stuart Nash, Darien Fenton, Chris Hipkins, Kelvin Davis and Brendon Burns. All had previously been unranked but now take up key positions that include responsibility for portfolios like Labour, Defence and ACC.

“We had an exceptionally good intake of MPs in 2008. I had a lot of options in terms of promotion and I’ve had to make some tough choices.
“I’m proud of the hard work all of my MPs have been putting in and look forward to seeing them all perform just as strongly when Labour is elected to Government.”

ENDS

Labour Caucus - 2011
labour_caucus_2011.docx
Labour_Caucus_2010.docx

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