National's senior MPs tipped to tumble in reshuffle

John Key

Several senior National MPs are expected to lose their portfolios when leader Don Brash announces his shadow Cabinet line-up later this week.

He has already met MPs to discuss their preferences, but lobbying is expected to continue up until the announcement.

Finance spokesman John Key is set to be promoted from his seventh-ranked position, possibly as high as No 3.

But fourth-ranked education spokesman Bill English is likely to retain a top spot and may move up one, leaving Mr Key at No 4.

Former golden boy Simon Power, once tipped as a future leader, is currently ranked third and appears likely to be demoted but remain on the front bench.

Senior MPs who may lose their portfolios against their wishes include foreign affairs and trade spokesman Lockwood Smith and health spokesman Paul Hutchison.

Dr Smith was involved in the damaging "gone by lunchtime" controversy surrounding comments made by Dr Brash to United States senators about New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy.

Just before the election he suffered further embarrassment after the Government revealed he had also suggested to the senators that a United States think tank could help sway public opinion on the issue.

National asked deputy leader Gerry Brownlee to replace Dr Smith for a radio interview on foreign affairs soon afterwards.

Party insiders suggested yesterday that it was unlikely Dr Smith would retain the job, although would not completely rule it out, saying Dr Smith's close relationship with Dr Brash could help him.

Dr Smith refused to comment yesterday on whether he still wanted foreign affairs.

Speculation that former top New Zealand trade negotiator Tim Groser might win the portfolio was downplayed yesterday with sources noting it would be unfair to put a new MP up against Foreign Affairs Winston Peters.

Contenders include Wayne Mapp, who has held the job, and Richard Worth.

Health spokesman Paul Hutchison may also lose his portfolio after failing to gain many hits for the Opposition in the area.

Potential replacements for the health job include Mr Power, Tony Ryall and Katherine Rich.

National had seven MPs on the front bench before the election and with the expanded caucus is set to have 10 or 11 front bench seats.

Ms Rich is currently ranked 10th and had been expected to make it onto the front bench. But Clevedon MP Judith Collins, another Brash loyalist, may leapfrog Ms Rich or join her there.

There is also speculation Georgina te Heuheu will improve her ranking, and she may also become a contender for a front bench slot.

Ms Collins is keen to retain welfare, although Ms Rich is understood to be interested in picking up Child, Youth and Family again.

Mr Brownlee is likely to retain Maori Affairs and wants energy, while Mr Power has his eye on labour and industrial relations and a secondary education role to Mr English.

Most of the new MPs are likely to be given associate spokesmanships, although high-rated newcomer Chris Finlayson could get attorney-general.