Calm Guy a little surprised at appointment

Nathan Guy. Photo / Supplied

Although Nathan Guy was widely tipped to replace Richard Worth, the Otaki MP and farmer says he was surprised when the Prime Minister rang him and asked if he was interested.

But it didn't take him long to decide. "I said, 'Yes, thank you very much'."

The vote of confidence from John Key came just four years after Mr Guy entered Parliament on National's list in 2005.

The decision to appoint quiet and calm Mr Guy puts the portfolios in cautious, safe hands.

Announcing the decision, Mr Key said Mr Guy had proven himself as an able whip and MP.

He was made junior whip in 2006 and then senior whip in 2008 after Anne Tolley was given the education portfolio following Katherine Rich's decision to resign.

The appointment is also a reward for toppling Labour MP Darren Hughes in the Otaki electorate in last year's election.

Mr Guy's background is in the agriculture sector and local government - he served on the Horowhenua District Council for eight years.

He lives with his wife and three children under 5 on the family farm near Levin.

Now Mr Guy will need to get his head around his portfolios - he has been given internal affairs and associate roles in justice and transport.

His post as associate transport minister under Steven Joyce could be a curse in disguise if National fails to deliver on the Transmission Gully route.

Although the upgrade of State Highway 1 from Wellington to Levin has been tagged as a project of national significance, the question of Transmission Gully remains alive - and will no doubt result in pressure from Mr Guy's constituents.

National's caucus will vote on a replacement senior whip today. Junior whip Chris Tremain is well-liked and likely to get the job.

Dr Worth's other portfolio of land information has been shifted to Maurice Williamson, who also has statistics.

Craig Foss was another MP tipped to be in the running to replace Dr Worth - Mr Key would not comment on his reasons for choosing one over the other.