Cabinet reshuffle rumour mill busy

The corridors of Parliament are thick with rumour about the pending Cabinet reshuffle as MPs come and go from meetings with Prime Minister Helen Clark to discuss options.

The only point of agreement in Labour circles is that the reshuffle on Monday is going to be a very extensive affair. As few as three ministers of 19 in the Cabinet may be left with their portfolios intact.

Health and education will get new ministers and Steve Maharey is likely to lose broadcasting.

Rising star David Benson-Pope may get a hefty leap in responsibility by acquiring the compulsory sector of education, primary and secondary schools.

Transport Minister Pete Hodgson is thought to be the frontrunner for health, which would mean him relinquishing either the energy or transport portfolios.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard will keep some jobs, but not education. Helen Clark is expected to keep him as Minister for State Services, a job which allows him to "helicopter" in to any troubled Government department.

He has also been tipped to get social development and employment, which would give him oversight of social welfare, an area of vulnerability in election year.

As a business friendly minister, he could also take over commerce from Margaret Wilson when she replaces Jonathan Hunt as Speaker in March.

His name has been mentioned as a possible associate to Jim Sutton in trade negotiations and agriculture.

Super-minister and trouble-shooter Michael Cullen is considered the best bet as Attorney-General to replace Margaret Wilson. Dr Cullen also has the support of Labour Maori MPs to take over her job as Treaty Negotiations Minister.

Phil Goff is expected to keep the foreign minister portfolio.

George Hawkins is expected to keep police and Mark Burton, who was passed over for Speaker, is expected to keep defence.

Others likely to be rewarded with bigger jobs include Conservation Minister Chris Carter, and ACC Minister Ruth Dyson.

Some ministers outside the Cabinet are also primed for a shake-up with David Cunliffe likely to get more responsibility.