Surprises likely in new Cabinet line-up

The Government is tipped to give the difficult police portfolio to tough law and order MP Phil Goff, and in a surprise turn of events it appears Trevor Mallard may be named the new Health Minister.

Helen Clark was expected to announce the Cabinet portfolios yesterday, and the winners of the much-sought after executive positions outside the Cabinet.

But late yesterday the Prime Minister, her deputy Michael Cullen and chief of staff Heather Simpson were still working on their decisions, which are expected to be announced this morning followed by a swearing-in ceremony at Government House later today.

Mr Goff, who has lost foreign affairs to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, is tipped to become the new Police Minister and may also get an associate finance job.

He has already been named as the next Trade Minister and is considered one of Labour's safest pairs of hands.

The Government suffered a number of hits on police issues under the stewardship of former Police Minister George Hawkins and appointing Mr Goff to the role would provide the Opposition with a much tougher combatant.

Associate Health Minister Pete Hodgson had been widely expected to take over health from Annette King, but that job is now believed to be going to Mr Mallard, the former Education Minister, who is not thought to be thrilled by the prospect.

In turn, Mr Hodgson may get a role in education.

Helen Clark has made it clear that all senior ministers will get new portfolios, with the exception of her own portfolios of arts, culture and heritage and Dr Cullen's finance portfolio.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia is nevertheless expected to keep his job.

Former Social Development Minister Steve Maharey may get the economic development job formerly held by Jim Anderton and Annette King may be in line for Mr Maharey's old job.

Second-term MP David Parker, one of the few lawyers in the Cabinet, is tipped for Attorney-General.

Competition is fierce for the remaining executive positions outside the Cabinet, expected to remain at seven, despite the ministerial positions awarded to Mr Peters and United Future leader Peter Dunne.

Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick is expected to win a spot as a minister outside the Cabinet, as is list MP Winnie Laban.

Te Tai Tonga MP Mahara Okeroa is considered another likely winner, and Associate Transport Minister Harry Duynhoven is likely to keep his job. Labour chief whip Jill Pettis could be another contender.

Already announced as new ministers inside the Cabinet are Mr Parker, Nanaia Mahuta, Clayton Cosgrove, Damien O'Connor, David Cunliffe and Lianne Dalziel.

Ms Mahuta's promotion has angered some of Labour's Maori MPs, who believe her rebellion over the foreshore legislation should have ruled her out.

The Maori MPs were not prepared to discuss their situations yesterday, as they awaited confirmation of executive positions outside Cabinet.

Ms Mahuta told the Maori caucus several weeks ago she was putting her hand up for the Cabinet, heightening the already intense lobbying effort among the group.

The caucus then petitioned Helen Clark on the number of Maori MPs on the Executive, requesting the same number as there were at the start of the last parliamentary term.

At that stage two Maori MPs were in the Cabinet, two were ministers outside and there was one parliamentary under-secretary. But it is believed they have been told this is unlikely. Mita Ririnui is unlikely to be returned to the Executive and Dover Samuels' position is uncertain.

Cabinet tips

* Phil Goff - Police

* Trevor Mallard - Health

* David Parker - Attorney-General

* Steve Maharey - Economic Development

* Annette King - Social Development