Few changes have been made in the shadow cabinet lineup new Labour leader David Cunliffe announced on Monday afternoon.
Mr Cunliffe says he wants Labour to establish its economic credibility, an area that will be led by three senior MPs.
David Parker and Grant Robertson flank David Cunliffe as he announces his lineup. Photo: RNZ
As previously stated, deputy leader David Parker continues to hold the finance portfolio, Grant Robertson will be shadow leader of the House and also gets the employment portfolio, and Shane Jones will be the new economic development spokesperson. Annette King retains health and Chris Hipkins education.
As well as responsibility for intelligence services, Mr Cunliffe takes on the information, communications and technology portfolio, and regional development.
Nanaia Mahuta has picked up treaty negotiations and Sue Moroney social development. Both have climbed two places up the caucus rankings to make it into the top 10.
Two other women MPs, Louisa Wall and Moana Mackey, have been brought into the shadow cabinet, with the portfolios of youth affairs and environment respectively. Carol Beaumont moves into the top 25.
Previous leader David Shearer is ranked 13 and will be the foreign affairs spokesperson.
Dunedin North MP David Clark slips from 12 to 20. Former junior party whip Darien Fenton slips nine places to 25.
Dunedin South MP Clare Curran goes from 18 to an unranked position and loses the information, communications and technology portfolio.
At the announcement (L-R): Shane Jones, David Parker, David Cunliffe, Grant Robertson, Annette King, Clayton Cosgrove, Sue Moroney. Photo: RNZ
Mr Cunliffe says there are "very, very strong performers", who are ready to take the fight to the Government.
"We're trying to give people the opportunity to shine in areas that they are really passionate about. We can't obviously achieve that simultaneously for everybody but I'm doing my very, very best to give everybody the opportunity to give of their best."
Mr Cunliffe has acknowledged some MPs will be disappointed but says that's inevitable after a reshuffle.
He says it's not possible to promote everyone.
"It's mathematically impossible that everybody goes up all at the same time. There are one or two who will be adjusting and I'd ask that you show some understanding of that process but I have to say that every single colleague has without fail been totally professional."
Labour's new caucus rankings, previous rankings in brackets:
1 (-) David Cunliffe
2 (3) David Parker
3 (2) Grant Robertson
4 (6) Annette King
5 (7) Shane Jones
6 (4) Jacinda Ardern
7 (5) Clayton Cosgrove
8 (10) Chris Hipkins
9 (11) Nanaia Mahuta
10 (13) Sue Moroney
11 (8) Phil Twyford
12 (9) Maryan Street
13 (1) David Shearer
14 (14) Su'a William Sio
15 (15) Phil Goff
16 (-) Louisa Wall
17 (19) Andrew Little
18 (-) Moana Mackey
19 (17) Damien O'Connor
20 (12) David Clark
21 (-) Iain Lees-Galloway
22 (-) Kris Faafoi
23 (-) Carol Beaumont
24 (20) Megan Woods
25 (16) Darien Fenton
The remainder of caucus listed by length of time in the House:
(-) Ross Robertson
(-) Trevor Mallard
(-) Ruth Dyson
(18) Clare Curran
(-) Rajen Prasad
(-) Raymond Huo
(-) Rino Tirikatene
(-) Meka Whaitiri
