Maori knocking on the door of Cabinet

By VERNON SMALL

Lobbying is under way in Labour's ranks to fill three Cabinet seats made vacant by the demise of the Alliance.

If the Cabinet remains the same size, replacements will be needed for Conservation Minister Sandra Lee and Women's Affairs Minister Laila Harre, and Matt Robson of the Progressive Coalition is unlikely to retain his portfolios (Corrections, Courts).

Those with the strongest support appear to be Ruth Dyson, currently a minister outside Cabinet, and whips Rick Barker and Chris Carter.

Under Labour Party rules the caucus elects Cabinet ministers and Prime Minister Helen Clark decides on the portfolios.

After a meeting of the party's Maori caucus yesterday, the only Maori Cabinet member, Parekura Horomia, indicated that Maori wanted recognition of their support, in the form of more ministers.

Party sources said Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia and Under-Secretary Dover Samuels were the front-runners, although Tamaki-Makaurau MP John Tamihere was also in the frame.

A replacement will also be needed for Deputy Speaker Geoff Braybrooke, who retired at the election.

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