Exits start of clean sweep for Clark

Helen Clark

The departure of three ministers yesterday is the precursor to a major reshuffle in Labour once the new Government is formed, with changes in almost every portfolio and at least six promotions.

Prime Minister Helen Clark is aiming to have a Government by Monday and a Cabinet in place by the end of next week.

She met New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and United Future leader Peter Dunne yesterday in her bid to put a proposal together before a special Green Party conference scheduled for Saturday.

Mr Peters is getting special treatment, with his talks being held at Premier House, but he remained camera-shy yesterday.

Mr Dunne's reiteration that he would not support the Greens in Government - whether inside or outside the Cabinet - increases the odds for a Labour-Progressive Government and Cabinet, and a sweetheart deal for the Greens, outside the coalition.

Although Mr Dunne's support in a Labour minority Government is not crucial in the short-term, Helen Clark wants to secure as many votes on confidence and supply as she can.

Confirmed departures from the Cabinet are Paul Swain, Marian Hobbs and George Hawkins.

Suggestions that Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton might also be considering a voluntary exit were roundly dismissed by him yesterday.

Promotions to the Cabinet are likely to be former Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel and two ministers outside the Cabinet, Associate Immigration Minister Damien O'Connor and Communications Minister David Cunliffe.

MP Winnie Laban is expected to replace embattled MP Taito Phillip Field as Associate Minister of Pacific Island Affairs outside the Cabinet, whether or not he is cleared by the ministerial inquiry into his actions.

Also in line for promotion outside the Cabinet is list MP David Parker, who worked closely with Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen on the foreshore and seabed issue.

Waimakariri MP Clayton Cosgrove, regarded as a highly disciplined chairman of the finance and expenditure committee, is a strong candidate for promotion.

Changes are likely among the Maori members of the ministry, faced with the Maori Party. Numbers have to remain at least the same.

Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta could replace or join former Waiariki MP Mita Ririnui as an associate minister or, an outside chance, in the Cabinet.

List MP Shane Jones, a future leadership prospect, is on the fast track to promotion. He could be expected to replace Dover Samuels as a minister outside the Cabinet at a future reshuffle and could expect to be elevated to the Cabinet before the end of the term.

THE CHANGES

Out

Paul Swain
George Hawkins
Marian Hobbs

New cabinet prospects

Damien O'Connor
David Cunliffe
Lianne Dalziel

Outside cabinet prospects

Winnie Laban
David Parker
Nanaia Mahuta
Clayton Cosgrove