National Party Leader John Key says Helen Clark's rejection of Damien O'Connor's resignation from the Corrections portfolio is all about political convenience and expediency.

"She made it clear through her public statements that Mr O'Connor would not remain in the portfolio, and she also hinted he may not be in Cabinet at all.

"The troubled Corrections Department is right now being led by a Minister who has offered his resignation - clearly signalling a lack of enthusiasm for continuing the job.

"The only reason Helen Clark appears to have declined Damian O'Connor's resignation at this stage is because it does not fit with her reshuffle timetable.
 
"That speaks volumes about the priority that Helen Clark places on political management - it rates more highly than providing this troubled Department with leadership."

"Mr O'Connor clearly doesn't have the Prime Minister's support, and therefore you'd have to ask the question whether he is able to discharge his duties properly. 

"How long should Corrections be forced to wait in limbo while Helen Clark works out which deckchairs she'll shuffle around?

"The last thing that this portfolio needs is a Minister who is biding his time waiting for the axe to fall."