April 24, 2024
National’s lack of direction reason for Melissa Lee’s sacking; Willie Jackson
Former Labour Government’s Minister for Broadcasting, Willie Jackson says National’s lack of direction, strategy and leadership is what cost Melissa Lee her Media and Communications portfolio.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stripped her of the portfolio and relegated her to outside of cabinet in a shock announcement made on Wednesday afternoon.
Penny Simmonds was also relieved of the Disability Issues portfolio.
PM Luxon says the agenda and the environment had changed over the last 6 months, creating more complex challenges, that required a more senior oversight.
Willie Jackson disagrees, saying the Media environment is pretty simple.
“It’s not that complicated, it’s pretty simple actually. The government has been devoid of any strategy, they’ve put nothing on the table and that’s why Melissa suffered because of that.” says Jackson.
Melissa Lee has been a National Party List MP for 16 years. She’s well versed in the media having owned and operated the country’s first Asian television program production company. She the Minister for Economic Development, Ethnic Affairs and Associate Minister of ACC. The Media and Communications portfolio goes to the Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith.
Disability Issues goes to Minister for Social Development Louise Upston.