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Prime Minister Helen Clark says she has not been threatened by any of her MPs over the possibility of Police Minister George Hawkins losing his job.
The Herald reported today that junior minister John Tamihere and Waimakariri MP Clayton Cosgrove planned to resign from positions of responsibility if Mr Hawkins was forced out the cabinet in the reshuffle Helen Clark is planning at the end of this year.
However, the Prime Minister said thorugh a spokesman today: "This report is complete drivel."
The Herald understands Mr Tamihere would resign his portfolios of youth affairs, small business and land information if Mr Hawkins lost his job. Mr Cosgrove would resign as chairman of Parliament's finance and expenditure committee.
Mr Tamihere today described the report as speculation.
"You don't get into threats (of resignation) like that," he said on Newstalk ZB. "There is an established caucus procedure for situations like this."
Mr Tamihere confirmed he supported Mr Hawkins, and said he had not been happy with the way the media had reported rumours that he would be sacked in the reshuffle.
He suggested those rumours had been fed to the media by people who did not want Mr Hawkins in the cabinet.
Helen Clark's spokesman told NZPA the reshuffle would focus on portfolios, not personalities.
- NZPA
Clark denies she faces threats over Hawkins
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