Grant Robertson.
Former OUSA president Grant Robertson has picked up the
shadow tertiary education portfolio in the Labour Party
reshuffle announced today.
Mr Robertson, a former Dunedin man and Kings High School
pupil, is the MP for Wellington Central.
Nanaia Mahuta and Charles Chauvel are among the biggest
winners out of the reshuffle which follows the demotion of
Shane Jones, Chris Carter and Mita Ririnui over misuse of
ministerial credit cards.
Ms Mahuta and Mr Chauvel will move to the front bench.
Ms Mahuta will pick up the energy and associate law and order
spokesperson roles, while Mr Chauvel will pick up the
environment role and drop energy.
Maryan Street will take over Mr Carter's foreign affairs
portfolio.
Labour leader Phil Goff said there would be further changes
ahead of next year's general election.
"The MPs stepping up to new roles bring a combination of
experience and fresh thinking," he said.
"I believe these changes strengthen our line up."
Mr Goff yesterday stripped Mr Jones, Mr Carter and Mr Ririnui
of their portfolio responsibilities and demoted them in the
caucus ranks.
Accounts for all former ministers, released last Thursday,
revealed Mr Jones' frequent use of his credit card for
personal purchases and to pay for pornographic movies in
hotels.
Mr Carter was repeatedly warned about the way he was using
his card, but continued to rack up big bills on overseas
trips.
Mr Ririnui bought a bike and golf clubs.
The MPs paid the money back, but by using the cards for
personal purchases they broke explicit rules.
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