brownlee's roles as an mp have included serving as the national party's junior whip, shadow leader of the house, and as the party spokesperson on superannuation, energy, transport, local government, māori affairs, state-owned enterprises, state services, and acc. he was don brash's deputy leader from 2003–2006, and has served as a minister and leader of the house in the fifth national government. his most prominent role has been leading the government's earthquake recovery efforts following the 2010, 2011 and 2016 earthquakes.