Leader of the House: Juggling a jigsaw puzzle
New Zealand MP Louise Upston discusses the complexities of her role as Leader of the House, which involves managing the government's legislative agenda. She describes the scheduling process as a difficult jigsaw puzzle that often requires extending parliamentary sitting hours.
Why it matters
Understanding the mechanics of legislative scheduling provides insight into how governments prioritize and pass laws under time constraints.
National Party MP Louise Upston has quite a few full-time jobs. She is MP for Taupo - her "first and most important job", in the parliamentary context.
She is also Minister of Social Development and Employment, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, for Disability Issues, for Child Poverty Reduction, and for the Community and Voluntary Sector. All big jobs. Recently she has added yet another huge role, a role at the core of parliament - Leader of the House.
Leader of the House (LOTH) is a cabinet position typically given to senior MPs. Recent holders have been Gerry Brownlee, Simon Bridges, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson, Chris Bishop and now, Louise Upston.
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