Reti dumped from health

Local MP, Dr Shane Reti has been dumped from his health portfolio. In the first major cabinet reshuffle since gaining office, the PM said, “Kiwis’…expect to see even more progress – ensuring they can access the care they need when they need it. To deliver on that expectation, I have decided Simeon Brown will become Minister of Health.”

Clearly, the PM thought that was not possible with Dr Reti in charge. Dr Reti will take the Science and Innovation portfolio and remain in cabinet. Losing health will be a major blow, more so as he has “owned” the portfolio for many years, long before National became government.

The obvious question now is does Dr Reti have a future in politics? Will he be content warming the seat in lesser ministerial roles or will he call it quits at the next election and return to medicine?