Hutchison upset to lose Nats' health job

Ousted National health spokesman Paul Hutchison struggled yesterday to conceal his dismay at being stripped of the job, despite saying he still believed he could be a health minister.

Dr Hutchison, a gynaecologist who had held the key health role for only a few months, would not say if he agreed with party leader Don Brash's remark that some potential ministers did not make good attack MPs in opposition.

"I've no comment on that," he said. "I'm totally disappointed and I hope that I will get the job back."

Dr Hutchison, like most of those in the job before him, struggled to score political hits against Labour's safe former Health Minister, Annette King.

In Thursday's caucus reshuffle he lost the spokesmanship, was left with a relatively low ranking of 22, and was not even retained as one of three associate health spokespeople.

National has failed to make headway in health against Labour since losing office in 1999, and newcomer Tony Ryall is the sixth spokesperson in five years and fourth in two years.

Health was not ranked as one of National's five core policy issues heading into last month's election, and frustrations over a lack of focus on health policy was one reason suggested for former spokeswoman Lynda Scott quitting as an MP.

Well-regarded and at times able to match Mrs King, Dr Scott - another medical doctor - and the shadow health portfolio were dumped from the front bench by Dr Brash after he replaced Bill English as leader two years ago.

Health now returns to National's front bench with Mr Ryall's sixth caucus ranking.

Dr Brash said yesterday Labour was vulnerable in health, with spending rising without obvious benefits. Mr Ryall had been put in the job to get political hits.

That was not a reflection on Dr Hutchison's performance. Sometimes MPs suited for Cabinet were not best suited to an attack role.

Dr Hutchison said that in his new role as spokesman for children, he intended to develop a paper which would consider health, welfare, education and justice issues for children.

He is also spokesman for accident compensation, disability issues, and research and science.