Politics Live Blog - April 22-28
Near identical statements from demoted ministers claim they 'support' their demotion
Axed media minister Melissa Lee and former disabilities minister Penny Simmonds have provided near identical statements claiming they support Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's decision to demote them.
Stuff has been trying to get hold of both ministers. But they would only provide written statements via press secretaries, which happened to be nearly identical.
Here's what Simmonds' office said: “I support the Prime Minister’s decision. I am looking forward to continuing my work in tertiary education, particularly the disestablishment of Te Pukenga, and in the environment portfolio.”
Stuff has been trying to get hold of both ministers. But they would only provide written statements via press secretaries, which happened to be nearly identical.
Here's what Simmonds' office said: “I support the Prime Minister’s decision. I am looking forward to continuing my work in tertiary education, particularly the disestablishment of Te Pukenga, and in the environment portfolio.”
Here's what Lee's office said: “I support the Prime Minister’s decision. I look forward to continuing my work in the Economic Development and Ethnic Communities portfolios.”
During his press conference this afternoon, Luxon said the reality was that Lee had actually been upset when they spoke this morning.
"Well, look, um, you know. She's incredibly. I acknowledge it's disappointing, certainly for Melissa. You know, I get that and I understand that and she played that back to me," he said, when asked how the ministers had responded to his decision.
"I fully understand it's a tough day, in that regard," he said.