Cabinet promotion for Simon Bridges

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has been promoted to the top echelons of the Government in this morning's announcement of New Zealand's revamped Cabinet line-up.

Mr Bridges has been named as Minister of Transport, Deputy Leader of the House and associate Minster of Justice. He also retains his Minister of Energy and Resources portfolio and is associate Minister of Climate Change Issues.

Mr Bridges has been moved to the Government's front bench in Parliament, now ranking as number nine in the National Party caucus. At 38, he is also the youngest Minister within the caucus and second youngest National MP in the house.

... I'm definitely grateful for the early Christmas presents I've been given to unwrap

Simon Bridges

Speaking from Tauranga Airport today, Mr Bridges said: "Firstly it's great to be back in John Key's cabinet and I don't take that for granted, and it's a real privilege to be given a seat at the front benches of Government.''

Mr Bridges was preparing to fly to Wellington to meet up with the new caucus after receiving the big call from Prime Minister John Key yesterday.

''I feel very humbled and really excited to be given these opportunities and I'm truly grateful to the Prime Minister for the confidence he's shown in me. I know it's now up to me to prove him right and I'm definitely up to the challenge.

''It was my main desire to take on substantial portfolios and really make a difference and ready to do that, and I'm definitely grateful for the early Christmas presents I've been given to unwrap.''

Mr Bridges' former portfolio as Minister of Labour appears to have been removed as part of the reshuffle.

The National caucus will meet tomorrow to elect its three whips for the coming parliamentary term.

The new Cabinet line-up will be sworn in at Government House in Wellington at 11am on Wednesday.

Prime Minister John Key said there was a lot of work ahead to continue implementing plans to build a stronger economy, reduce debt and create more jobs.

"The new Ministry builds on the experience of the past two terms in office, and combines experience with some fresh talent.

"A number of Ministers have had significant portfolio changes, reflecting the need to give Ministers new challenges as well as providing a fresh set of eyes in some portfolio areas,' Mr Key said.