Labour’s reshuffle announced today

Andrew Little is set to announce a new Shadow Cabinet today  -I know, I know, the phrase Shadow Cabinet is so #ukpol but it’s also too cool not to use:

Tracy Watkins has some reckons:

Some big movers are tipped in Labour leader Andrew Little’s first big reshuffle.

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“We’ve got to think not only about the portfolio allocations, we’ve got to think about chief whip and junior whip in a new government, and positions outside Cabinet, positions available for potential coalition partners.

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The reshuffle is an important positioning move for Labour as the year rolls to a close. While the party’s poll ratings are up on the election result, Labour continues to trail National by a large margin.

Little said next year would be about “knuckling down” and refining policies that were “definitive enough and bold enough” to give voters the “measure of who we are in 2017”.

The long and short of it – according to Watkins – is:

• King to remain deputy but gain an “understudy” in health, with her eyes on a diplomatic posting early in the term
• Ardern and Davis to get some good meaty roles – no surprise given their respective profiles and some damn fine campaign work on Serco and Christmas Island
• Twyford vs Shearer for trade – which could influence Labour’s position on the TPP
• Good things for Sue Moroney who’s done great work on paid parental leave
• Possible bad news for Mahuta and Cunliffe
• Nothing for Goff for obvious mayoralty-related reasons

Little also confirmed this is the “last reshuffle” he’s planning before the election and

I have no inside information on the new rankings myself but if this is going to be the team to take us into 2017 – including some indication of what portfolios might be up for grabs for the Greens (and/or NZ First) – I’m looking forward to it being an exciting one.

UPDATE: Radio Live are Periscoping the announcement.

New rankings and portfolios are now up on the Labour website. Scoop has a PDF of the caucus rankings here.

Labour’s media release:

Labour line-up to take the 2017 election

 

Opposition Leader Andrew Little has today announced a strong and talented shadow Cabinet to take Labour into the 2017 election.

 

“Labour had an impressive intake of fresh faces after last year’s election and newest MPs have now had a year to show what they’re made of.

 

“This reshuffle rewards hard work and continues my drive to renew our Caucus line up.

 

“Kelvin Davis moves up after he shone the spotlight on Serco scandals and the treatment of detainees in Australia. He will now take on Māori Development.

 

“Megan Woods joins the front bench in recognition of the important work she is leading in Canterbury and on climate change.

 

“Newer faces Jenny Salesa and Peeni Henare move into the Shadow Cabinet, along with Meka Whaitiri who takes on local government.

“High profile MP Jacinda Ardern moves up along with Phil Twyford who adds Auckland Issues to his bow.

 

“Stuart Nash moves into the Shadow Cabinet and picks up Police. Her tireless campaigning on paid parental leave sees Sue Moroney promoted.

 

“Today’s reshuffle is a strong mix of new talent and experience – and builds a solid team to win in 2017,” Andrew Little says.