Well done to Simon Bridges, who in the past two weeks has had a blinder. He has celebrated the birth of his heir and now he has been promoted to the ministry of the John Key led government. Good to see he is Associate Climate Change minister, his suggestion to Tim Groser should be to wind up that ministry altogether:
National’s MP for Tauranga Simon Bridges is to be appointed a minister outside Cabinet after the departure of shamed former minister Nick Smith forced a minor reshuffle.
Napier MP Chris Tremain, who is currently outside Cabinet, will move into Cabinet at number 20, Prime Minister John Key said.
Smith resigned his ministerial warrants two weeks ago after admitting he wrote letters for friend and ACC whistleblower Bronwyn Pullar while he was the minister of ACC.
He also admitted failing to declare a conflict of interest when he signed off a letter to Pullar on behalf of the Corporation.
Smith, who is also the MP for Nelson, held the local government, environment and climate change portfolios.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter will also take on the local government portfolio.
Local government reforms were an important part of the Government’s agenda, Key said.
“Mr Carter is an experienced Minister and I’m confident he will drive these reforms along.”
Internal Affairs Minister Amy Adams will become Environment Minister and hand over the Internal Affairs portfolio to Tremain.
Trade Minister Tim Groser will also become the new Minister for Climate Change Issues.
Bridges will take over consumer affairs and associate transport from Tremain.
He will also be Associate Minister for Climate Change Issues.
