Trevor Mallard
Labour MP Trevor Mallard says he willingly went out of
leader David Shearer's Shadow Cabinet because he wants to be
Speaker if Labour goes into Government after 2014.
In Labour leader David Shearer's reshuffle today Mr Mallard
moved from 11th in the rankings to the unranked part of
caucus outside the top 20. Mr Shearer gives rankings only to
his Shadow Cabinet.
Mr Mallard said his move was partly because he had put his
hand up to be a Speaker in a future Labour Government.
"I'm hoping for a change of Government next year - the
Speaker is not part of Cabinet and I think it's useful to get
some fresh blood in there."
Labour put Mr Mallard up as a contender for the Speaker's
role when David Carter was elected into the post to replace
Lockwood Smith.
Labour's move was intended to be an objection to the
Government's failure to consult them over who should have the
role - however, it seems the idea that the stunt seeded has
now taken root.
Mr Mallard said his rivals need not expect him to ease up on
the political attacks in the meantime.
"I think I will have a role holding ministers to account
through the internal affairs portfolio, and I will continue
my work as an advisor to the Speaker in the House."
As Shadow Leader of the House, Mr Mallard frequently takes
points of order to object to Speakers' rulings and matters
such as the way in which Ministers answer questions put to
them.
When he announced the changes, Mr Shearer said Mr Mallard and
Lianne Dalziel - who was also demoted from the top 20 - had
contributed a lot to the party and would continue to do so,
but had both recognised the need for rejuvenation.
- By Claire Trevett of the NZ Herald
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