Who will get Welfare?

Benson Pope’s environment portfolio is minor and co go to almost anyone.  However welfare, or its new title of social development, is a major portfolio and not one you would give to a new Minister.

So putting aside who might get promoted to Cabinet for now, who from the existing Cabinet might get welfare?

Anderton is busy in agriculture.  Maharey has done it before. Goff is overseas too much. Hodgson couldn’t do it without giving up Health (which some might say would be fine).  They’d have to be half crazy to give to Parekura and fully crazy to give it to Burton.

King would seem the most logical.  She is capable and under used.  She might not want it of course.  Mallard is a possibility if he gave up some of his economic portfolios to a rising Minister such as Cunliffe or Cosgrove.  So only going to happen in a fuller reshuffle.

Going into the second row Ruth Dyson has a long involvement in related areas such as CYFS, ACC.  Could be a stretch for her.  Dalziel isn’t an impossibility either.