Judith Collins is back: The National Party announces portfolios

Judith Collins, spokesperson for transport.
Judith Collins, spokesperson for transport. Photo credit: File

The National Party has released its Opposition roles, with a huge promotion for Judith Collins.

Other than Ms Collins, the National Party's line-up remains largely unchanged.

Ms Collins has picked by the transport portfolio from Simon Bridges and has risen from 16th to ninth, meaning she's now a front-bench MP.

It's been a rocky few years for Judith Collins. She was National's most powerful woman, before facing fierce 'Dirty Politics' allegations that she was working with blogger Cameron Slater, including a claim that she leaked the name of a public servant.

She was relegated to the backbenches following the 2014 elections. 

Ms Collins is known for introducing legislation that would see boy racers' vehicles crushed, earning her the nickname 'Crusher Collins'.

She is a strong performer in the debating chamber and is highly ambitious - she put her hat in the ring for National Party leadership in 2016.

"I think we will find that her way of doing business suits Opposition," Opposition leader Bill English said following the announcement of portfolios.

There are few other changes in the National Party reshuffle. 

All portfolios have been given to experienced MPs, leaving newbies waiting to be "allocated portfolios in due course".

Mr English said that's because National has focused on continuity.

"We want to use the knowledge we have from what was an energised and focused Government."

National Party's top 10  spokespeople

1. Bill English - Leader of the Opposition

  • National Security

2. Paula Bennett - Deputy leader of the Opposition

  • Children
  • Women
  • Social Investment

3. Steven Joyce

  • Finance
  • Infrastructure

4. Gerry Brownlee

  • Foreign Affairs
  • Fisheries
  • Land information

5. Simon Bridges - Shadow leader of the House

  • Economic and Regional Development
  • Immigration

6. Amy Adams

  • Justice
  • Workplace Relations and Safety (incl Pike River)

7. Jonathan Coleman 

  • Health
  • Sport and Recreation

8. Christopher Finlayson

  • Shadow Attorney General
  • Commerce 
  • GCSB
  • NZSIS

9. Judith Collins

  • Transport
  • Revenue

10. Michael Woodhouse

  • Housing
  • Social housing

Newshub.