Reshuffle demotes Brash's star MP

By AUDREY YOUNG

Don Brash has demoted one of his most favoured inner-circle MPs, Simon Power, by making him chief whip in National's last big reshuffle before the next election.

Neither Dr Brash nor Mr Power will acknowledge that the move is a demotion. They say Mr Power has retained his No 3 caucus ranking and will keep his front-bench seat.

At a press conference yesterday, Dr Brash all but admitted that Mr Power had not been performing well, but put it down to the shadow portfolios he had - defence, youth affairs, veterans affairs and associate foreign affairs.

Dr Brash justified keeping Mr Power on the front bench, saying he was "clearly one of the people most likely to be a future leader of the National Party" and agreeing with a questioner that he needed frontbench experience.

That raised eyebrows among some National MPs who baulk at leaders being anointed - a label that has bedevilled Mr Power since he was elected in 1999.

Dr Brash said Mr Power was a "hard-hitter" who would prove himself.

"I think he will absolutely demonstrate his justification for being on the first bench at No 3."

Asked if Mr Power would be in a National cabinet, he said: "I don't want to prejudge what his role will be post-election but he certainly is one of the very competent members of the caucus."

Dr Brash said that with a year or less to the next election, it was "time to fine-tune the team and for the electorate to see the look of a National government".

The reshuffle promotions were largely expected, and were viewed by the caucus as merit-based.

But a bonus for the party is that two of those promoted, John Key and Judith Collins, come from the important Auckland region and would be assured of high Cabinet rankings in a National government. Dr Brash is the only Aucklander on National's front bench.

He has handed over primary responsibility for finance to Mr Key, the MP for Helensville and a former merchant banker who has been an MP for two years.

The feisty Judith Collins, another two-year MP, representing Clevedon, takes health from Lynda Scott, who will retire next election.

Law and order spokesman Tony Ryall has leaped to No 7 and a frontbench seat for his relentless campaigning style, after being demoted from No 8 to No 15 after Dr Brash's October leadership coup against Bill English.

Mr Power and Katherine Rich have been favourites of Dr Brash, although Mr Power was originally elevated to the front bench by Mr English.

Northland MP John Carter has been chief whip for nine years.

But he asked to be relieved of the role after his long-held ambition to become Parliament's Speaker was foiled by the announcement two weeks ago that Tamaki MP and Assistant Speaker Clem Simich would be National's Speaker.

The job of a whip is largely organisational, keeping a watch on legislation, MPs' attendance in Parliament and party discipline.

Last night Mr Power was trying to cast his new role in a positive light.

"It's a good opportunity to develop a further skill-set and, to be honest, I'm quite looking forward to it."

Mr Carter admitted he was disappointed about the speakership, but said that ambition had simply been delayed for a term.


WINNERS

John Key

Wins finance, after being deputy finance.

Moves from no ranking to No 10.

Judith Collins

New health spokeswoman.

Moves from no ranking to No 12.

Tony Ryall

Moves from No 15 to No 7 and returns to front bench.

John Carter

Wins defence, veterans affairs, emergency services. Stands down as chief whip after nine years.

LOSERS

Simon Power

Keeps No 3. Given chief whip's job.

Wayne Mapp

Drops three places to 13. Loses constitutional issues and immigration.

David Carter

Drops one place to No 8.

Moves off front bench for Tony Ryall.

Richard Worth

Drops three places to number 15.

Adds Attorney-General responsibilities to justice.