PM to shed liabilities in Cabinet shake-up

Jostling for Cabinet positions will intensify this week as coalition horse-trading begins in earnest.

But the minor party leaders may find themselves kept at a distance, with indications Helen Clark would prefer to form a minority Labour-Progressive coalition supported by others on confidence and supply.

The only minor party representative assured a Cabinet seat, Jim Anderton, has already flagged his interest in an education role.

Depending on the outcome of this week's coalition talks, United Future's Peter Dunne is a possibility for the foreign affairs portfolio.

Green Party co-leaders Jeanette Fitzsimons or Rod Donald could become ministers outside Cabinet, possibly holding associate energy, transport, environment, conservation or finance roles.

Nearly 40 per cent of respondents to a Herald on Sunday-DigiPoll last weekend said they would support a formal coalition involving the Green Party.

Clark will also use a Cabinet shake-up to rid herself of liabilities and under-achievers.

George Hawkins will likely lose his job as Minister of Police, with Courts and Associate Justice Minister Rick Barker one possible replacement.

Dover Samuels, Mita Ririnui and Taito Phillip Field are also likely to find themselves out of favour, as may Jim Sutton after his comprehensive electorate defeat in Aoraki.

With Field's likely demotion, the genial Winnie Laban stands to benefit from the desire to keep a Pacific face close to power.

Senior ministers Phil Goff, Steve Maharey, Trevor Mallard and Annette King could move to fresh portfolios, while Michael Cullen is likely to hold on to finance, despite his last budget copping much of the blame for the inconclusive election result.

An outside possibility could be to appoint a Speaker from the Opposition, freeing up Margaret Wilson to return to Cabinet.

Lianne Dalziel may have put the "lie in unison" scandal far enough behind her to be allowed to return, possibly to the ACC role.

Others up for promotion include junior whip Darren Hughes, Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick, ministers outside Cabinet Damien O'Connor and David Cunliffe, or even newcomer Shane Jones.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY