Chris Hipkins reveals Labour caucus reshuffle

Labour leader Chris Hipkins.

Labour has reshuffled its caucus with eight months to go until the election.

The party was expected to reallocate departing MP Peeni Henare's portfolios including foreign affairs and defence, but opted for a wider reshuffle.

Vanushi Walters picks up the foreign affairs role. Walters had been their associate spokesperson.

Labour List MP Vanushi Walters.

She also gets the NZSIS and GCSB portfolios, and goes from 33 to 12 on the list.

Walters returned to Parliament last year after replacing David Parker.

Damien O'Connor, the party's trade spokesperson, will get defence.

Willow-Jean Prime who last year was promoted into education, has been dropped from the role.

Willow-Jean Prime.

She will gain social development, which had been held by Willie Jackson.

Ginny Andersen, who is currently spokesperson for police and jobs and incomes and treaty negotiations, will pick up education.

Camilla Belich gets a promotion, picking up justice from Duncan Webb, who will retire at the election. She keeps the public service portfolio.

Reuben Davidson will get economic development. He keeps broadcasting as well as science and technology, and moves from 30 to 13 on the list.

Reuben Davidson.

Other gains across the board include:

Tangi Utikere – State-owned enterprises and deputy shadow leader of the House

Priyanca Radhakrishnan – ACC

Jo Luxton – Customs

Cushla Tangaere-Manuel – Emergency management and Natural Hazards Commission

Jenny Salesa – Associate Pacific peoples

Shanan Halbert – Whānau Ora

Some of the main players will continue to hold their portfolios; including Barbara Edmonds in finance, Ayesha Verrall in health, Kieran McAnulty in housing, Megan Woods in energy, Tangi Utikere in transport and Willie Jackson in Māori-Crown relations

Carmel Sepuloni remains deputy leader.

New MP Georgie Dansey will get rainbow issues and regulation, while Dan Rosewarne will get rural communities and small business.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said: “New Zealanders are looking for a government that’s focused on the issues that matter - the cost of living, jobs, health and homes. Our team is energised, experienced, and ready to govern."

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