Ardern won’t save Labour, PM says

Prime Minister Bill English does not appear to be worried about the “Jacinda Ardern Factor” but has emphasised that a fourth term in government for National is not in the bag.

Speaking to media not long after Ms Ardern was announced as Labour’s new leader; Mr English called her a “competent politician.”

But he says the problem is with the Labour Party, not its leader.

“The real problem for her is the Labour party and its lack of progress over the last nine years as opposition,” he says.

“In the end, that’s what put the pressure on Andrew Little.”

Mr Little stood down as the party’s leader this morning, saying he backs Ms Ardern to take over the leadership mantle "100%."

The new Labour leader confirmed at a press conference that her predecessor would be a part of Labour’s front bench if it forms a government in September.

Mr English says Mr Little “did his best” as opposition leader but says Ms Ardern has some “real challenges” ahead, “particularly with the lack of momentum and ideas in the Labour party.”

As to how the party will fare in the election as a result of the leadership change, Mr English says voters would be “pretty bemused” that just two months out from an election, Labour is again changing its leader.

He reinforced the fact that with current polling, National and its current support partners would not have the numbers to form “the kind of government we think New Zealand needs.”

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters was furious at reporters when asked about the leadership change on his way to the House this afternoon.

He says this is the fifth time in nine years he has been quizzed by reporters over whether or not he could work with a new Labour leader.

He stormed out of the press huddle after being asked how well he thinks he could work with her, saying the party had more important things to focus on in the next seven weeks.

The Maori Party and the Greens
New Labour deputy leader Kelvin Davis told media this afternoon Labour was “open to anything” when asked about a potential coalition with the Maori Party.

But, he said: “If the Maori Party is still standing after the election, they would have to up their game if they want to work with us,” he says.

The Maori Party has swiftly issued a press release reminding the National government it has options and will work with Labour if the party is in a position to form a government on September 23. 

Party president Tukoroirangi Morgan says its members want the party to work with Ms Ardern and deputy Mr Davis.

Mr Morgan says, "We've always said we'd work with both sides, blue or red, but Andrew Little killed off any hope of that happening when he closed the door on us.

"We're hoping Jacinda and Kelvin won't be as closed minded and that they’ll agree to work with kaupapa Māori.”

He says like Labour his party is concerned with Maori being disproportionately represented in prison, Maori home ownership and whānau ora not getting enough funding.

Greens co-leader Metiria Turei says although she is sad Mr Little is no longer Labour leader, she holds Ms Ardern in high regard and is pleased she has the leadership.

She says the change in leadership is Labour’s issue to deal with, not the Greens, and still expects the left bloc to win them the treasury benches.

Ms Ardern says the memorandum of understanding the parties signed last year remains.  

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