Annette King says it was her call to stand down as Labour's deputy leader

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Annette King says it was her call to stand down as Labour's deputy leader

The Labour caucus will elect a replacement on Tuesday, with Jacinda Ardern already nominated by the party leader.

Labour party veteran Annette King says it was her decision to step down as the party’s deputy leader and retire from politics.

The caucus will elect a replacement on Tuesday but leader Andrew Little has nominated recently elected Mt Albert MP Jacinda Ardern to take Ms King’s place. Ms Ardern was on the party list until she won the seat vacated by former leader David Shearer and once held by Helen Clark.

Susan Wood asked Jacinda Ardern about her Deputy Leader aspirations prior to the Mt Albert By-Election, see her response on NBR View below:

Jacinda Dep Leader line from NBR Radio on Vimeo.

“This is totally my decision. I have always acted in the best interests of the party,” Ms King says.

"I've decided after 30 years in Parliament, 10 elections and eight leaders that it's probably time I moved over," she says.

“It’s been the privilege of my life to have served the party for more than 30 years and to have worked for the people of Rongotai for 24 years.”

She denies being asked to stand down as deputy by Labour leader Andrew Little and says she had been considering the move since Christmas when she decided not to stand again in Rongotai. She says she achieved her really big goal this year to ensure a succession plan in Rongotai with deputy Wellington mayor Paul Eagle nominated to stand in her place.

Ms King has also thrown her support behind Ms Ardern.

“I have watched her political career blossom since she became an MP in 2008 and mentored her when she needed help. After her emphatic victory in Mt Albert, she’s well and truly ready to step up.”

She says what has changed for Ardern is having a home base. "She's a young woman in her mid-30s and will grow from that," Ms King says.

Mr Little says she has been an excellent health spokeswoman.

“While I wanted Ms King to stay in that role, I accept her reasons for wanting to retire. She has been an outstanding servant of the Labour Party and worked hard for a better and fairer New Zealand. She has made a huge contribution in government, opposition and in Rongotai.”

He says Ms Ardern has performed extremely well as a list MP and her “resounding” win in the Mt Albert by-election is further proof she has what it takes to be deputy.

Speaking to Radio Live, Ms King said Mr Little and Ms Ardern will make a very good team.

“Andrew is a serious politician … Jacinda brings in a lot of people and organisations and she’s very much Auckland, Andrew is a provincial, rural boy.”

On February 16, two week’s before the Mt Albert vote, Ms Ardern told NBR View’s Susan Wood she would fill whatever position she was asked to but she was adamant she didn’t want to be prime minister.

“It’s not just about those top two positions. I’m on the front bench. I’m a member of the senior team. I already feel like I’m in a position where I can make a big difference.

“I’ve just said to Andrew whatever in the future you want me to do … I’m going to do what you need.

All the way along I’ve been of the view I’m not seeking these roles. For me, my ambition is to be a minister and a member of Parliament for Mt Albert. Beyond that, it’s whatever the party needs.”

What about the prime ministership?

“No, I have no desire for that job."

English says Labour will have a ‘big gap’ without King
Prime Minister Bill English says he’s not worried about Labour with Ms Ardern as deputy.

“Labour’s fundamental problem is it is just out of sync with the confidence and the direction of the county. That’s broadly reflected in its pretty low levels of support.”

He says there will be a “big gap” in the Labour Party when Ms King leaves.

“Annette has been a long time, reasonable stabilising influence in the Labour Party and is broadly respected across the Parliament.

“It will be a bit of a challenge for the Labour party [without her] but we certainly wish Annette well.”