Two Kiwi-Indian MPs Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and Parmjit Parmar have found a place in National Party’s newly announced shadow cabinet.
Mr Bakshi has been made spokesperson for Internal Affairs and Associate Police, whereas Ms Parmar has been made spokesperson for Science and Innovation.
The Leader of the Opposition and National Party Leader, Bill English, announced on Thursday, November 2, an opposition line-up claiming to use most of the available talent in the party caucus for playing an effective role of strong opposition by holding the government accountable.
“Today I am announcing our Opposition line-up which makes the most use of our dedicated and talented caucus. We are the largest Opposition Party New Zealand has ever seen, and the largest party in Parliament. We will ensure we make those numbers count,” Mr English said.
“I have ensured we make the most of the experience and knowledge of our former ministers, while also utilising the talents of our large caucus who are passionate about New Zealand’s future.
“All but the latest intakes of MPs have been allocated portfolios. Those MPs will be given time to understand parliamentary processes and work alongside our spokespeople, and be allocated portfolios in due course,” Mr English further added.
Mr Bakshi is the fourth term, and Ms Parmar is a second term MP.