1 November 2005

Whips elected

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that Christchurch Central MP Tim Barnett has been elected as the Senior Government Whip, and Otaki MP Darren Hughes has been elected as the Junior Government Whip.

Both MPs were elected unopposed at this morning's meeting of the Labour caucus.

Mr Barnett has been an MP for nine years, during which time he has served as Chair of the Justice and Electoral Select Committee.

Mr Hughes has been an MP for three years, and was first elected as Junior Whip in February 2004.

Helen Clark congratulated the MPs on their new positions.

"Tim and Darren are very experienced in the workings of Parliament and have a strong knowledge of the Standing Orders, qualities which will serve them well during this term of Parliament."

ENDS

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