NZ/Deputy Prime Minister

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Employment.png NZ/Deputy Prime Minister 
(Deputy Prime Minister)

BossNZ/Prime Minister
Can if necessary" exercise the statutory and constitutional functions and powers of the prime ministership if the Prime Minister is unavailable or unable,

The deputy prime minister of New Zealand is the second most senior member of the Cabinet of New Zealand. The officeholder usually deputises for the prime minister at official functions.

The role existed on an informal basis for as long as the office of prime minister/premier has existed, but the office of "deputy prime minister" was formally established as a ministerial portfolio in 1949. It was formally designated as a full cabinet level position in 1954.[1]

Appointment and duties

Generally, the position is held by the deputy leader of the largest party, but now that the MMP electoral system makes coalitions more likely, the role may instead go to the leader of a junior party. This occurred with Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First,[2] and Jim Anderton, leader of the Alliance.[3] The current deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson of the Labour Party, has the role even though his party's deputy leader is Kelvin Davis. After the 2020 election, Davis turned down the position,[4] and Robertson was appointed instead.[5]

The Deputy Prime Minister "...can, if necessary" exercise the statutory and constitutional functions and powers of the prime ministership if the Prime Minister is unavailable or unable.[6] They can also do the same as Acting Prime Minister, in consultation with the Prime Minister if it is appropriate and practicable.[7] The Deputy Prime Minister can also temporarily act as Prime Minister until the leadership of the government is determined in some cases, like the death or incapacity of the Prime Minister.[8]


 

Office Holders on Wikispooks

NameFromTo
Bill English19 November 200812 December 2016
Helen Clark8 August 19892 November 1990
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References

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