Just minutes after National leader Chris Luxon delivered a carefully nuanced reshuffle of his caucus line-up — a revamp which brought a new job for Dunedin list MP Michael Woodhouse and a rapid elevation for Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds — no-one cared any more.
Mr Luxon’s statement that he was unveiling a line-up to take on Jacinda Ardern did not age well, as the shock prime ministerial resignation stifled the oxygen of publicity that a reshuffle usually affords a political party.
But that is not to say it was without interest.
The rise back up the caucus ranks of the indestructible Judith Collins is noteworthy, as was the high placement of her predecessor as leader, Todd Muller.
Despite some speculation of retirement, elder statesman Gerry Brownlee remained in the caucus ranks to assume either the foreign affairs role or the Speakership should National win this year’s election.
Barbara Kuriger, who late last year lost her agriculture portfolio due to her management of a conflict of interest, drops out of the party’s top 20 but does so with the conservation portfolio Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean loved so much.
Environment spokesman Scott Simpson is another MP whose career prospects were slammed into reverse gear, dropping to 18.
Mr Woodhouse may feel slightly dissatisfied at remaining in the lower echelons of the caucus rankings, but he can take solace that he is once more shadow Leader of the House, an important role which means he will figure in most of National’s internal strategic discussions.
Ms Simmonds is the big mover in the caucus rankings, receiving a major vote of confidence in her elevation to 20th in the standings and being given an additional newly created portfolio of workforce planning.
A first-term MP, she has vaulted over more experienced colleagues to be in strong contention for a seat at the Cabinet table should National win in October.
Southland MP Joseph Mooney retained his previous roles.
Mrs Dean, who will retire from politics at the election, remains a shadow assistant Speaker.
