December 05, 2014
Andrew Little
Andrew Little
WILLIE JACKSON
Andrew Little has gone a long way to cementing himself as not only the leader of a united Labour Party but also a real possibility as New Zealand’s next Prime Minister. I know he’s only a week into his new job but it’s been a good seven days for Little and Labour. He appears to have pulled together the many factions within Labour – and that is no mean feat.
The last week has been the best for the Labour party in a very long time, and ironically the worst for the National Party. The Nats have reigned supreme for the past two terms and that was because there wasn’t a credible opposition.
The only time the Nats have felt the pressure was when Winston Peters has been leading the charge or by their own making – as shown with John Key’s texting and bizarre relationship with Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater.
When Key was forced to correct a statement he had made in the House about his dealings with Slater, Little seized upon that and made more mileage than the Prime Minister. It showed Little was quick to seize an opportunity. A+ for that.
Also an A+ for his maiden leader’s speech. It was not a rant and rave about a government who have deserted its people, or MPs within that party who aren’t fit to shovel horse manure. It was one of what the future will look like for our children and the dramas they will face.
That was a great start because the country is sick and tired of the child-like games and name calling MPs play. Instead Little used his speech to further unite Labour and make himself out to be a credible alternative. He has also pulled the right strings for Maori, promoting Nanaia Mahuta and Kelvin Davis to the front bench.
Little has also sent former Leader David Cunliffe to No 14 in the rankings. That’s close enough to cut him off as a threat – should Cunliffe wish to go down that road – but also far enough from the real power base of the party.
He also backed the call for the New Plymouth Council to have proper representation of Maori on their council. That probably wouldn’t have gone down well with all within Labour, but as Little is from the Taranaki area, it was only right he had a view either way.
As far as that issue goes I will be debating on behalf of the courageous pakeha New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd about why he was right to demand that Maori get special seats this Monday night at the New Plymouth Council Chambers. My opposition will be none other than that great upholder of race relations Winston Peters it should be a fun night!
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