Prime Minister Bill English’s cabinet reshuffle is getting easier as it gets closer with a third minister deciding his time is up.
Craig Foss announced his resignation yesterday, a day after Sam Lotu-Iiga revealed he would follow Education Minister Hekia Parata’s lead in not standing for re-election next year.
Mr Foss said recent events, including the change in leadership and other resignations, prompted his decision, while Mr Lotu-Iiga said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Both ministers will give up their portfolios as part of the reshuffle, while Ms Parata, who announced her resignation earlier in the year, said she would hold on to hers until the prime minister decided otherwise.
That opens three slots for newcomers, and there could be more by the end of the week.
Mr English will announce the cabinet on Sunday and ministers will be sworn in the following Tuesday.
The only appointment so far has been Steven Joyce to replace Mr English as finance minister.
There has been speculation around ministerial sackings, with Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith mentioned as a potential casualty.
But Mr English appeared to rule that out on Tuesday when he said people who questioned Dr Smith’s competence were wrong and that he was doing a good job dealing with a complex issue.
Mr Smith said any decision about his role was for the prime minister but said he would be happy with any job, including becoming ‘‘tea boy for caucus’’.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges said he wanted to continue playing a ‘‘significant role’’ in the Government but would not speculate on what that might be, or admit whether he had sought any particular position.
‘‘I feel confident I’ll continue to play a strong role,’’ he said.
Mr Lotu-Iiga and Mr Foss both said the possibility of demotion was not a factor in their decisions.
‘‘I cannot in all good consciousness see myself doing this role for the next four years,’’ Mr Lotu-Iiga said.
Mr English is believed to be well into his decision-making and he was not planning to hold another caucus meeting before Sunday’s announcement.
Parliament adjourned for the year yesterday after a debating chamber sing-along and a final exchange of insults.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell strummed a guitar as he and Marama Fox entertained MPs with their version of Santa Baby, and urged people to join in.
Mr English and Labour leader Andrew Little were not so lighthearted.
Mr English described Labour as ‘‘bland, awful nothingness’’ while Mr Little considered New Zealand was about to be given ‘‘a new government in last Christmas’ wrapping paper’’.
Parliament sat for 535 hours on 88 days this year, the same number of days as last year.
It passed 107 Bills.
Parliament will resume on February 7.
