The Prime Minister is defending today's surprise Cabinet reshuffle.

Luxon has demoted Melissa Lee from Cabinet and stripped her of the Broadcasting and Media portfolio, giving it to Paul Goldsmith.

He's also sacked Penny Simmonds as the Minister for Disabilities, handing the role to Louise Upston.

Prime Minister Luxon says he needs the right people in the right assignments at the right time - and both roles have gotten more complex.

"They're good, hardworking ministers, they've still got my full confidence, they've still got key roles to play with portfolios on our team and key roles to deliver on - but this is really just acknowledging both of those portfolios have changed."

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