KEY POINTS:
Helen Clark's cabinet reshuffle was less drastic than expected in a pre-election year, Herald political commentators have said.
Miss Clark's changes included demoting Trevor Mallard from the front bench and dumping Mark Burton all together. Up-and-comer Clayton Cosgrove took over the sport, Rugby World Cup and immigration portfolios.
But in his article, John Armstrong said the changes were less radical than some in Labour would have hoped for.
"Desperate times call for drastic measures - rather than a reshuffle which was supposed to give Labour a fresh face but looks more like a face-lift," he said.
Armstrong's view matched that of Herald political editor Audrey Young, who wrote: "It is hardly Helen Clark's big, fat bold reshuffle.
"There is no Wow! factor in this reshuffle."
National Party Leader John Key said Miss Clark had failed to show leadership, rewarding Mr Mallard with new portfolios instead of punishing him.
"The reshuffle is a lame exercise in recycling, not renewal,' Mr Key said.
Several of the Government's heavyweight portfolios have changed hands, with education going to Chris Carter following the departure from Cabinet of Steve Maharey, who will next year take the helm of Massey University.
The sensitive portfolio of health, formerly held by senior minister Pete Hodgson, has gone to David Cunliffe.
Mr Hodgson instead takes up economic development, tertiary education and research science and technology.
The Government's largest ministry - the Ministry of Social Development - will be overseen by Ruth Dyson, after that portfolio was made available by the resignation of David Benson-Pope in July.
Annette King takes on the justice portfolio and retains transport and police.
Damien O'Connor, who was in line for demotion after his controversial decision to take a suspended Corrections officer with him on a rugby tour, has been stripped of his Corrections portfolio.
His Corrections portfolio goes to Phil Goff.
Long-serving Mallard, now at number 10 in the cabinet, sits on the second-tier of the bench with his new portfolios in environment, labour, broadcasting and state owned enterprises.
Newcomers to the Cabinet include Steve Chadwick, Shane Jones and Maryan Street, while Darren Hughes will take up a role as a minister outside Cabinet.
On the front bench, Chris Carter and David Cunliffe are the new faces, while Jim Anderton retains his position.
Treaty negotiations has been taken off long-serving minister Mark Burton and handed to Michael Cullen.
Departures from Cabinet altogether include Mark Burton.
WINNERS
David Cunliffe: The highly-rated minister moves onto the front bench, taking up the enormous responsibility of Minister of Health. He holds onto his communications role.
Chris Carter: The surprise new Education Minister. He moves onto the front bench from th second row, and will also look after Ethnic Affairs.
Steve Chadwick: The Rotorua MP goes straight into Cabinet from nowhere. She takes up roles as Minister of Conservation, Women's Affairs, and Associate Health.
Shane Jones: The highly-rated newcomer makes it to Cabinet in his first-term as an MP. He takes on the role of Minister for Building and Construction, and holds associate roles in Treaty Negotiations, Immigration and Trade.
Maryan Street: Another first-term MP makes it to Cabinet. She takes up weighty roles as Minister for ACC and Housing, and also holds associate roles in economic development, tertiary education.
Darren Hughes: The young Otaki MP moves up from being junior whip into a role as a minister outside Cabinet. He will be minister of statistics, deputy leader of the House, and hold an associate economic development role.
Ruth Dyson: The experienced minister takes up the big portfolio of Social Development.
LOSERS
Mark Burton: The long-serving minister goes from Cabinet altogether, although Prime Minister Helen Clark said that was his decision.
Trevor Mallard: A punch-up with National MP Tau Henare sees the senior minister relegated to the second bench, and he is stripped of his cherished sport and Rugby World Cup portfolios. He picks up Environment, Broadcasting and Labour, and remains minister for State-Owned Enterprises, and associate finance.
Damien O'Connor: Stripped of his Corrections portfolio, and ranked two places lower than before. His other responsibilities are unchanged.
