Collins gains ground in reshuffle

Judith Collins is on the up in Simon Bridges’ first caucus reshuffle as National Party leader.

Collins will take on housing and urban development from Michael Woodhouse, who will return to the immigration portfolio he was once the minister of.

She is fourth-ranked in the party behind Bridges, Paula Bennett, and finance spokeswoman Amy Adams.

Collins ran in the leadership race against Bridges but there does not appear to be any ill feeling.

Mark Mitchell, who also ran, takes on justice from Adams while holding on to defence.

Former health

"It is a strong mix of former ministers and senior MPS alongside emerging ones.'' National Party leader Simon Bridges

minister Jonathan Coleman has retained health and sport, while former education minister Nikki Kaye has held on to education.

But things are not all rosy for former ministers: Gerry Brownlee has lost foreign affairs to Todd Mcclay, while Maggie Barry has lost conservation to Sarah Dowie.

The full list sees many backbenchers take on new portfolios but not Chris Bishop, who openly supported Adams’ leadership tilt, along with Barry.

Bridges said the line-up reflected an intention to make use of new talent and ministerial experience.

‘‘It is a strong mix of former ministers and senior MPS alongside emerging ones who have proven to me they have what it takes to hold this Ardern-peters Government to account, to listen to New Zealanders and to develop new policies for the 2020s.’’

‘‘This means the energy of all 56

our MPS – Parliament’s of strongest and most diverse caucus – is focused on the role of Opposition, ensuring every MP has a chance to directly contribute to taking on the Government and driving innovation and policies in the best interests of New Zealand.

‘‘The team I have announced today also reflects the strength and talents of the women in our caucus, with three in the top five positions, and eight in the top 20,’’ Bridges said. ‘‘And they are there on merit.

‘‘This team of MPS is an alternative government in waiting.

‘‘It will effectively hold this weak coalition Government to account and ensure the National Party earns the trust of New Zealanders and the right to govern in their interests in 2020.’’