Grant Robertson signals Labour leadership tilt

Labour's Grant Robertson all but threw his hat in the ring for his party's leadership during an appearance on Breakfast this morning.

Stuart Nash, who scored an upset win in Napier, and former leader David Shearer have also refused to rule out running for the top job.

Labour’s constitution calls for a confidence vote in its leader after an election.

If David Cunliffe fails to get 60% support in caucus, then the party’s new primary system for electing a leader will kick in.

The system gives MPs 40% of the vote, party members 40% and affiliates (unions) 20%.

It was first used last year (see table) when David Cunliffe — who pushed the change through at last year’s party conference — beat Mr Robertson and Shane Jones in the race to succeed David Shearer.

Asked if he would stand for leader, Mr Robertson's reply included the bon mots:

"We’ve got a process to go through in caucus. 

"I’m listening to the members of the party. I’m listening to the public. And I’ll make my decision about that vote when it comes up.

"We’ve just come off the back of the result of an election that certainly I’m not happy with. Members of the party are not happy with it. 

"I’ve put my name up before for the leadership so, you know, it’s a job I’ve previously expressed interest in.

"I want to take some time to listen. When we have the worst result in 92 years, it’s vital we take some time to say  ‘What went wrong? Why haven’t we connected with voters when I believe we do have fantastic values [and] great policies?'

"We’ve lost that connection to a lot of people who have voted for Labour in the past."

Too far left?
A number of commentators thought Labour's poor showing Saturday was in part because it had swung too far to the left.

Asked if the party had titled too far in that direction, Mr Robertson said no. The party just had to do a better job relating its policies to people's everyday lives.

That was a pragmatic answer. Most of the members and unions who will vote in coming leadership ballot will not want to hear any words about a shift to the centre.

Tuesday morning vote?
A confidence vote is possible as soon as Tuesday morning, when Labour's caucus meets for the first time post-election [UPDATE: a confidence vote can't take place until the vote count is finalised. The Electoral Commission expects a final tally on October 4.]

Mr Robertson said he did not think the vote would take place that early.

It has been speculated that Mr Shearer — who had his party at mid-30s support in the polls — will try to make a comeback. 

Yesterday, Mr Shearer said a leadership fight would be a distraction. Labour had to focus on why it had lost touch with everyday New Zealanders.

Mr Cunliffe said he would seek a renewed mandate for leadership, with the ballot process over by Christmas.

Vote in our BUSINESS PULSE poll: Who as leader would give Labour the best shot at increasing its vote next election?