Demotion by Promotion

Helen Clark has nominated Attorney-General Margaret Wilson to replace Jonathan Hunt as Speaker.

This is fairly clever politically as it gets rid of a highly unpopular Minister without actually sacking her. It is definitely a demotion from her current role as a highly ranked Minister with five full portfolios and two associates.

This has taken the media by surprise as all the attention was on Burton (probable) and King (possible).

Winston will spit tacks at having his nemesis as Speaker.

I have never regarded Wilson as particularly strong on standing orders or in the House generally. She may struggle in the role.

Incidentially this means that women will hold the top three spots in the order of precedence.