April 24, 2024
PM Christopher Luxon takes axe to his cabinet
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has taken the axe to his cabinet removing Melissa Lee from Broadcasting and moving her outside of cabinet. Paul Goldsmith will take responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio.
Penny Simmonds has also been stripped of her Disability Issues portfolio, after announcing cuts to entitlements before consultation with the Ministry and officials earlier this year. Minister for Social Devlopment Louise Upston takes over from Simmonds.
“It has become clear in recent months that there are significant challenges in the media sector. Similarly, we have discovered major financial issues with programmes run by the Ministry of Disabled People.” says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
“I have come to the view it is important to have senior Cabinet Ministers considering these issues.
“Given the changes, Melissa Lee will move outside of Cabinet. Climate Change and Revenue Minister Simon Watts will move into Cabinet.”
The Prime Minister has advised the Governor-General to give effect to the changes today.
……more to come from the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins.