16 Jun 2009

National appoints new whips in wake of resignation

3:44 pm on 16 June 2009

National has chosen Napier MP Chris Tremain as the party's new senior whip. Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew has been appointed junior whip.

Mr Tremain replaces Nathan Guy, who was promoted to the position of a minister outside Cabinet following Richard Worth's resignation from Parliament on Friday.

Dr Worth's departure comes as police investigate a complaint of a sexual nature against him. He has been separately accused of sexual harassment of a woman who is a Labour Party member.

Prime Minister John Key is refusing to say why he lost confidence in Dr Worth as a minister.

Mr Guy will pick up portfolios previously held by Dr Worth, including Internal Affairs.

Mr Tremain has been the junior whip for about a year and says he is ready to step into the senior role.

Ms Goodhew says she is excited to be chosen as junior whip.

Radio New Zealand's political staff say the choice of whips is a balanced one, as it involves a man and a woman, and MPs from the North and South Islands.