Michael Wood elevated as Senior Government Whip

Labour MP for Mt Roskill, Michael Wood has been elevated to the powerful position of Senior Government Whip in a cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier today.

The position of the chief whip is often considered a stepping stone to a senior position or ministerial role within the party. 

It will be his job to keep the MPs in line, to enforce caucus discipline, settle differences in the caucus, to ensure MPs attend select committee meetings and are in the House when needed.

Michael will be giving up his roles as Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Ethnic Communities and Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.