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Tauranga MP Simon Bridges may be bright and clever, but still needs more time to mature in parliament according to the annual roll call of MP performance.
The roll call is a rating and performance profile put together by editors of the Christchurch based political Trans Tasman media outlet.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
It outlines how each politician performs and what influence they bring, or are likely to bring to caucus, cabinet, committee and parliament.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges received a five out of 10 for his performance in parliament this year, a rating which Simon is quite pleased about.
“It’s an above average mark, which is good, anything above five is good but ultimately what they (the editors) think is not as important as what my colleagues and the people of Tauranga think.”
The editorial says the National Party MP is “clever, bright, but very much underused”.
When it comes to being underused Simon says there is potential for a promotion in the next two years.
“I would obviously love to be promoted and I think there is definite scope for that in the next year or two, but that is up to the Prime Minister to decide. I feel I am in a good place to get promoted.
“I feel like I am doing a really solid job and the people of Tauranga think that too judging from the recent election result.”
Simon laughed off comments he is “easy on the eye” saying it is more of a reflection of the general state of MPs in Parliament.
“I suppose it is not hard to be easy on the eye, relatively speaking, in Parliament.”
Simon and wife Natalie are expecting their first child in the new year and the editorial says this will really “test him”.
However, when it comes to his place in the house, Simon needs to be “pushed harder into politics”.
Simon says having children will be a positive change.
“It will give me a better understanding of family issues and things that are important to young families.
“There is probably some truth in what the writers say.”
A win in the Tauranga electorate in this year’s election sees Simon return to Parliament for a second term as a backbencher.
For the editors of Trans Tasman it is still too soon for Simon to gain a ministerial position and instead say he “could be in line for a whips job or select committee chairmanship. More maturity needed.”
Simon says he is in “good shape” to receive a select committee chairmanship, but would not speculate on which committee he would like to chair.
“I think there will be a few decisions on select committee chairmanships early next year.
“They are decided by the committee, most go to government members and it is important to get the support of the Prime Minister.
“I am in good shape to perhaps get a position in a select committee, but we will have to see how it all goes.”
In regards to gaining a particular portfolio in the future, Simon says he wants to “keep his options open”.
New Zealand First MP Brendan Horan does not receive a ranking as it is his first time in Parliament, however, the editorial does little to favour the list MP calling him a “potential weak link”.
“Not much expected of him. Has a fine singing voice, which is not much use in the House.”
Trans Tasman picked Christchurch MP Gerry Brownlee as MP of the Year for his strong commitment and dedication to the earthquake recovery.
“As minister in charge of directing recovery from the devastating earthquakes in Canterbury, and faced almost daily with hard decisions, Brownlee has shown his true mettle.”
The roll call was announced before cabinet positions were announced but following the counting of special votes.
