National’s finance role may be split
WELLINGTON: Simon Bridges is set for a big prize in Judith Collins’ reshuffle tomorrow, but he might have to swallow a fish hook to get it — The New Zealand Herald has learned of a possible surprise twist as Ms Collins works out who will win and who will be disappointed.
The National Party leader is understood to be considering splitting the finance portfolio between two MPs, including former leader Mr Bridges, in a reshuffle she said will hold ‘‘surprises’’.
Ms Collins would not discuss the details of her reshuffle, which is likely to be announced tomorrow afternoon, but said ‘‘there will be some surprises’’.
‘‘I’ll be looking to reward talent, hard work and loyalty to the party.’’
Her reshuffle is expected to put a strong emphasis on the economy — and the most interesting move could be in the finance portfolio.
It is understood Ms Collins is considering splitting that portfolio between MPs Mr Bridges and Andrew Bayly, rather than using the usual ‘‘associate’’ roles for one.
It is likely to be loosely modelled on the treasurer and finance minister split which is used in Australia, and had a brief appearance in New Zealand during the NationalNZ First Government of 1996, when Bill Birch was finance and Winston Peters was treasurer.
Typically, the treasurer is responsible for overall fiscal policy, while the finance minister is in charge of matters such as tax and revenue.
Mr Bridges would not comment, but is understood to have made it clear he was most interested in finance in the reshuffle.
The finance role had been held by Paul Goldsmith, but he is expected to lose it after the blunder with a $4 billion error in National’s fiscal plan during the campaign.
There is no shortage of jobs for her to hand out, given National’s previous caucus of 54 has shrunk to just 33.
The top ranks are tipped to include Shane Reti in health, Mr Bridges, Mr Bayly and Louise Upston in social development.
Shane Reti is widely expected to be elected deputy leader at the party’s caucus meeting today, where MPs will also hold the postelection confidence vote in Ms Collins’ leadership.
Ms Collins is not expected to be challenged and has made it clear Mr Reti is her choice for deputy.
Ms Collins has already said Mr Reti would retain health. He could also be given the wider Covid19 portfolio, unless Ms Collins opts for somebody with more political attack skills.
Senior whip Barbara Kuriger could also be given heavier portfolio responsibilities and the whip’s job handed to Matthew Doocey.
Some of the big questions Ms Collins needs to wrestle with include what to do with new MP Christopher Luxon.
Mr Luxon is new to Parliament, but the wider party will expect to see him given opportunities to test and prove himself without great risk of coming a cropper too early.
Several otherwisegood MPs have blotted their copy books and will be waiting to see whether they are punished for it.
They include Mr Goldsmith and Michael Woodhouse for portfoliorelated blunders. Chris Bishop and Nicola Willis are considered National’s upandcoming MPs, but have upset some in caucus for their roles in the Muller coup.
Mr Muller will also be waiting to learn his fate, after Ms Collins kept him on her front bench immediately after he stepped down from the leadership.
Ms Collins will also have to decide on Gerry Brownlee’s role. Mr Brownlee has stepped down as deputy leader, but is still valuable for his experience in Parliament and Ms Collins cannot afford to waste that.
National will need someone with experience in trade, and that could go to either Todd McClay, a former trade minister, or stay with Mr Muller, who is less proven.
Ms Collins may also be considering moving housing from Jacqui Dean to an urban or Auckland MP, given it is likely to be an area of political contention again as the Government tries to restore its credibility following the failure of KiwiBuild. — The New Zealand Herald