New National Whips

The Herald reports:

Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross has been elected National’s new senior whip, with Taranaki King Country MP Barbara Kuriger becoming junior whip.

A whip’s job is to organise and discipline MPs, particularly those on the back-bench. They play a critical role in the operation of the House, including organising their party’s vote on legislation.

The position of chief whip is often a stepping stone to a ministerial appointment.

Ross replaces Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe, who was promoted to Customs Minister in a reshuffle last month. Kuriger was third whip, and that position will now be filled by Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey.

Whips often go on to become Ministers so if National gets a 4th term, I’d expect Jami-Lee and Barbara to become Ministers at some stage during that term.