FEB 2: The decision to dump Dunedin-based list MP Katherine Rich from her welfare portfolio has divided the National Party. Party leader Don Brash announced yesterday he was moving Mrs Rich from No 4 to No 10 on the caucus list - leaving an all-male line-up on National's front bench - after her refusal to endorse aspects of the welfare policies he outlined in a speech in Orewa last Tuesday.
"Though she had substantially completed the advance work on the welfare policy, it is fair to say she did not agree with some detail of the policy, as announced at Orewa," Dr Brash said.
"The differences are not big, but they preclude the possibility of Katherine continuing in the role as spokeswoman for welfare."
The biggest sticking point had been how National would deal with women who became pregnant while on the domestic purposes benefit. Dr Brash said in his speech such women should only receive extra money in exceptional circumstances.
He also suggested they consider adopting children out. Mrs Rich will keep her Crown business portfolio and also become associate finance, associate health and ACC spokeswoman.
While she repeatedly restated her loyalty to Dr Brash and her party, some of her colleagues were angry at her treatment.
"I don't think Katherine Rich deserved a demotion," Lynda Scott said. "I think she is a very hardworking capable woman MP for National." Colleague Brian Connell was scathing: "I think it's a stupid decision." Asked if the decision showed inexperience on Dr Brash's behalf, Mr Connell said: "It shows bad instincts all around." Judith Collins, who picks up the welfare portfolio, said there was no personal animosity.
"Katherine is a fantastic MP and a good mate as well. One of the things I am pleased about is we are going to be sitting right next to each other and, also, that I know I will be getting every assistance possible from her."
National MPs who said the decision was between Dr Brash and Mrs Rich were Lindsay Tisch, Paul Hutchison, Shane Ardern, Maurice Williamson, Clem Simich and Pansy Wong.
Deputy leader Gerry Brownlee supported the move, saying it was the only decision Dr Brash could make.
"I think what it sends is a message to people that if the leader of the National Party takes a policy line, then you can believe him," Mr Brownlee said.
Also open in his support was Wayne Mapp. "Frontbenchers must wholly endorse the leader's position in all respects.End of story, really."
MPs who made no comment were: Nick Smith, Lockwood Smith, Murray McCully, John Carter, Tony Ryall, Georgina te Heuheu, Sandra Gaudy, John Key, Phil Heatley, Bill English and David Carter. Roger Sowry, Richard Worth and Simon Power were not available yesterday.
Party insiders say Mrs Rich found herself in an untenable position after Dr Brash suggested a tougher line on benefit eligibility. Mrs Rich's second child was a surprise addition to her family and she knows some children are unplanned. She felt uncomfortable with policies that would put children at risk.
Caucus members have been divided on the welfare policy since May last year, but some more right-wing members had told Mrs Rich to "step up, or step out" if she could not follow the line being developed by the right-wingers.
Her work in Dunedin has seen her help women back to work once their children start school, and help men find work when all their efforts had failed. She talks about the people she meets who are motivated to find work.
No-one has called her a beneficiary basher in public, a tag Dr Brash now wears. Mrs Rich told the Otago Daily Times from Wellington she was philosophical about the change.
"I'm feeling upbeat about the change and will get on with my new portfolios. I have some ideas I want to develop. Being busy will be good. I intend talking to people locally about my ideas. You can read as many books as you like, but talking to people is a valuable tool." Mrs Rich said her husband, Andy Rich, her Dunedin office, and her mobile had been inundated with messages of support.