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'An insult to Aucklanders': Calls for Twyford to go in reshuffle

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Jun 2019, 10:06AM
Commentators agree that Phil Twyford's sacking would be justified. (Photo / NZ Herald)

'An insult to Aucklanders': Calls for Twyford to go in reshuffle

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Jun 2019, 10:06AM

Political commentators are describing today's Cabinet reshuffle as a chance to "iron out a few wrinkles."

The fate of several high profile ministers including Phil Twyford, Iain Lees-Galloway and David Clark remain under the spotlight.

But left wing political commentator Neale Jones told Mike Hosking Ardern has already signalled it will be a relatively minor reshuffle.

"I think the risk of any major reshuffle at this stage is you loss momentum and you deliver less."

But right wing commentator Matthew Hooton says Ardern simply doesn't have scope to make big changes.

"One of the problems she has is the lack of talent in the Labour lineup. Labour didn't get good MPs in through its time in Opposition, so just cause of a lack of talent, I don't see much of a radical shake up."

The fate of several high profile ministers including Twyford, Iain Lees-Galloway and David Clark have been the topic of much speculation.

Hooton told Mike Hosking it would be an "insult to Aucklanders" to keep Twyford around.

"I think it would be an insult to Aucklanders if he remained in either of his portfolios, Housing and Transport. Both are total disasters."

He thinks that Twyford can remain in Cabinet but would be better suited in other roles, such as taking Trade or Environment from David Parker. 

Jones agrees that it would be justified. 

"Certainly the optics around KiwiBuild have been devastating for the Government's reputation, and I think Phil Twyford, if he did get the sack from Jacinda Ardern today, I don't think anyone would blame her."

However, he says that the rest of the Housing portfolio is going well once KiwiBuild is taken out of the equation.

"I think behind the headlines for KiwiBuild, there is actually quite a lot going on he isn't getting credit for." 

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