Can our Palmerston North MPS evoke change?

NZ First’s decision to go with the Left will give two Palmerston North-based MPS their first stint in Government, but whether or not this will have a positive effect on the city’s residents remains to be seen.

Labour’s Iain Lees-galloway and NZ First’s Darroch Ball are the big Manawatu¯ winners following Winston Peter’s announcement of a coalition with Labour and the Greens. Both men ran strong locally-focused campaigns, so many voters will expect them to use their newly-aquired influence to better the lot of Manawatu¯ people.

Decisions about ministerial portfolios are still to be confirmed, but Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern has rewarded Leesgalloway with a cabinet position. Lees-galloway was Labour’s spokesman for workplace relations and safety, immigration and defence, and has previously been involved in areas such as health, transport and veteran affairs.

Defence is likely to be one of NZ First’s roles, with Ron Mark an obvious candidate, but transport could be a good fit for Leesgalloway, who has gained experience through his dealings with the Manawatu¯ Gorge. He will be relieved to be getting something, but the strength of his portfolio may depend on how much Labour sacrificed in order to make the Government.

NZ First and the Greens have done well in the negotiations, each taking ministerial posts, and the casualty of such concessions may be hard-working MPS like Leesgalloway. But it appears that after nine years of hard graft opposing the John Key-era National Government, history may be repeating for Lees-galloway, who took over the electorate from Steve Maharey who himself did three terms in opposition before securing his legacy.

NZ First has been given four ministers inside cabinet and one undersecretary role. Peters, Mark, Shane Jones and Tracey Martin are likely to take the cabinet posts, but Ball would certainly not be a disgraceful choice for the fifth spot. The second-term MP impressed during the campaign trail, and was rewarded with a number 5 spot on the party’s list.

ACT Party leader David Seymour boosted his profile as an undersecretary, so getting this position would be a huge leap in responsibility for Ball. With two MPS on the winning side, and both on the cusp of greater things, Palmerston North residents can certainly hold some hope that their interests will be addressed in the corridors of power.