English tipped to pick younger Cabinet

Bridges, Adams and Kaye head list of expected promotions

Bill English will reveal plans tomorrow for a younger Cabinet team to take National into next year’s election, with big promotions in store for ministers Simon Bridges, Amy Adams and Nikki Kaye.

But the refresh may be staggered, partly to be certain Kaye has fully recovered from breast cancer before she takes over Education from outgoing minister Hekia Parata.

Bridges and Adams are set to join English, Paula Bennett, Steven Joyce and Gerry Brownlee in the Prime Minister’s close leadership team, known as the kitchen cabinet.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully is expected to stay in Cabinet for several months at least to provide some continuity in a critical part of the Prime Minister’s job — international relations.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman is tipped to take over Foreign Affairs later in the year, and Michael Woodhouse could then take over health.

But from next week, Bridges i s expected to get Economic Development from Steven Joyce, who has taken over Finance from Bill English.

Justice Minister Amy Adams may pick up Science and Innovation, and Tertiary Education from Joyce as well as getting an Associate Finance role.

Paula Bennett, the Deputy Prime Minister, is well placed to pick up responsibility for Housing New Zealand Corporation from English, which would sit alongside or merge with the Social Housing portfolio she holds.

She is expected to hang on to State Services which keeps her connected to the entire public sector, and may acquire responsibility for Social Investment.

English was elected National leader and Prime Minister by the National Party caucus after the shock resignation of John Key.

Paul Goldsmith, a minister outside Cabinet, is tipped to be promoted to Cabinet and could pick up ACC.

Louise Upston, another minister outside Cabinet may be advanced up.

Among the three backbenchers likely to become new ministers are second term MPs Mark Mitchell, of Rodney electorate, and Alfred Ngaro, a list MP of Cook Islands descent.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee who has been ranked No 3 for the past eight years, faces a move down the pecking order to make way for younger faces.

But he is expected to remain a key player in the kitchen cabinet and as Leader of the House.

English has been under backbench pressure to demote Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith. But the new leader defended Smith’s record last week publicly, and with house prices in Auckland cooling, he is less of a lightning rod for criticism. He also has a large work programme under way.

Assuming he remains in Cabinet, Smith could be well placed to pick up Local Government from Sam LotuIiga to complement his housing duties.