Hawkins' car is seen around Manurewa. Picture / Richard Robinson
George Hawkins' future as Minister of Police looks increasingly uncertain after Prime Minister Helen Clark again refused to answer whether he would keep the job if Labour forms the next government.
For the second time in three weeks Helen Clark declined to clear-up speculation that Mr Hawkins' time as Police
Minister may be over after the election.
Helen Clark ducked the question about Mr Hawkins' future by saying she did not elect the Cabinet ministers, the Labour caucus did.
"I distribute roles but I can't distribute roles until people are actually elected into it."
Mr Hawkins also avoided answering questions on his future yesterday, saying the only goal he was focused on was returning as MP for Manurewa.
"I want to be elected the next member of Parliament for Manurewa," he said.
"That's the first goal, that's the only goal I've focused on."
Three weeks ago at the party's community police announcement, where Mr Hawkins took a backseat role to Justice Minister Phil Goff, Helen Clark answered a question about Mr Hawkins' future by saying there were many people with aspirations, but not all could be in the Cabinet.
In March, Labour gave a strong indication that Mr Hawkins would be unlikely to return to Cabinet by giving him the low list ranking of 25. He responded by pulling his name from the list and will stand as an electorate-only MP. He holds the seat with a huge 12,548 majority.
Mr Hawkins has appeared to publicly struggle with numerous crises in his Police portfolio, including the 111 debacle.
