Politics

National unveils shadow portfolios

15:17 pm on 2 November 2017

The National Party leader, Bill English, has reshuffled his MPs portfolios as they prepare for their time in opposition.

National party leader Bill English. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Mr English will be the spokesperson for national security, and his deputy Paula Bennett picks up Children and Social Investment while retaining the Women's portfolio.

Steven Joyce keeps Finance and picks up infrastructure, and Gerry Brownlee remains the Foreign Affairs spokesperson, but also picks up Fisheries and Land Information.

Anne Tolley is National's nomination for Deputy Speaker and Louise Upston picks up her Social Development portfolio.

Chris Bishop gets the police portfolio and his backbench colleague Todd Muller takes on climate change and Crown/Māori Relations.

Bill English said National had a strong Opposition team which would hold the Government to account and ensure it did not squander the opportunities New Zealanders had created for New Zealand in recent years.

He said National would be be pushing the new Government to maintain that success and focus.

"I have ensured we make the most of the experience and knowledge of our former ministers, while also utilising the talents of our large caucus who are passionate about New Zealand's future.

"All but the latest intake of MPs have been allocated portfolios.

"Those MPs will be given time to understand Parliamentary processes and work alongside our spokespeople, and be allocated portfolios in due course."

The full list can be viewed here.