Quick thoughts on the new Labour front bench

A few very brief reflections on the announcement of Labour's new front bench:

• Environment finally takes the precedence it deserves with the extraordinarly capable Grant Robertson taking it on at #2
• David Shearer keeps his interest in the new economy with Science and Innovation
• Jacinda Ardern and David Parker get to shine in big portfolios with plenty of substance
• David Cunliffe has a role shadowing Steven Joyce, which will give him ample opportunity to help change Labour's fortunes following his defeat in the leadership race
• Lianne Dalziel picks up Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, which I suspect is a testament to the wide reading, thinking and talking she has been doing in the area since 22 February
• Nanaia Mahuta takes over Education from her Waikato colleague Sue Moroney and thus faces her first outing in a real meaty policy portfolio

I genuinely think this is a good line up: a range of experienced and fresh faces, some novel and useful portfolio combinations, and a good binding together of the caucus team following the leadership race.

I'd love to say something about all of them, but haven't time at the moment.

Comments

[George D]

Someone will have to enlighten me about the strengths of Street. (Well, it will be incumbent on her, of course). A very strong vote of faith in Sua William Sio. I happen to like him and consider him a very good local member and representative of large parts of NZ's community, but others might not realise his abilities yet. I hope he lives up to it. And I'm disappointed that ACC, and Climate and Energy have been delegated down the list, but the quality of opposition and delivery of competing ideas will be what counts.

A hopeful lineup.

[rjs131]

Good to see they have promoted Damien O'Connor to 19. I guess he was the only decent performing electorate candidate so it shows Labours committment to winning back provincial NZ seats by ranking him so lowly behind such proven stars and vote winners like Darien Fenton, Sue Maroney and Maryan Street