Labour Leader Helen Clark has announced the Labour members of the cabinet after a ballot was held today by the Labour
caucus. It is a predictable announcement with no surprises.
The cabinet ministers are: Mark Burton, Lianne Dalziel, Phil Goff, Mark Gosche, George Hawkins, Marian Hobbs, Pete
Hodgson, Annette King, Steve Maharey, Trevor Mallard, Dover Samuels, Jim Sutton, Paul Swain, Margaret Wilson.
Rick Barker has has been voted as senior whip, Chris Carter as junior whip, Jonathan Hunt as speaker, Geoff Braybrooke
as deputy speaker.
Clark said the lineup was strong and talented and drew on a wide range of skills. The average parliamentary experience
is eight years and Clark said there was a good geographical and gender spread.
The announcement was due on Monday however it was brought forward after the Labour council and caucus agreed. Clark is
confident the Alliance council will have no problem with the coalition agreement over the weekend and that signing will
go ahead on Monday.
ends