July 16, 2020
Māori take places on National front bench
Todd Muller couldn't find any Māori in his caucus who merited front bench status.
Two days into the job new National Party leader Judith Collins has found room for two.
In her reshuffle announced this morning, former leader Simon Bridges is at number 4 with responsibility for foreign affairs and justice.
Shane Reti at 5 takes over health from Michael Woodhouse, whose less than candid behaviour over the leak of COVID-19 patient details may have been a factor in Mr Muller's demise.
Mr Muller stays on the front bench at 8 with shadow responsibility for trade.
Another winner in the reshuffle is Whanganui MP Harete Hipango, who is the shadow attorney general and spokesperson on Crown-Māori relations, Treaty of Waitangi negotiations, and Māori touirism.
Jo Hayes retains her Māori development role.
Ms Collins had space on her front bench, with former deputy leader Nikki Kaye announcing this morning she was quitting politics at the election, and Amy Adams also retiring for the second time.
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