Labour caucus elects Jacinda Ardern deputy leader
Jacinda Ardern received unanimous support from MPs and no one challenged her for the position.
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Labour Party MPs have as expected elected Mt Albert MP Jacinda Ardern as the party’s new deputy leader.
Leader Andrew Little says she received unanimous support from MPs and no one challenged her for the position.
“I’m grateful the caucus has recognised her ability to help Labour communicate our vision for a better New Zealand.”
He says Ms Ardern is a fierce advocate on the issues she has championed such as child well-being.
“She’s worked hard during her time in Parliament and has the experience to be an excellent deputy leader.”
Ms Ardern was elected to Parliament in 2008.
Last election, she lost the Auckland Central electorate to National’s Nikki Kaye by 700 votes.
In a press conference, Mr Little says he’s not worried about Ms Ardern becoming more popular than him.
Party supporters
Last week, former deputy leader Annette King revealed she was stepping down from the leadership role and will be retiring from politics at this election.
Both Ms King and Mr Little endorsed Ms Ardern, who had just won the Mt Albert by-election by a sizable margin, albeit with low voter turnout.
“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,” Ms King said.
Former deputy leader Grant Robertson took to social media last week to throw his support behind Ms Ardern.
“Jacinda has been endorsed by Andrew and Annette and it will surprise no one that I feel the same way but it is important to let the process take its course, and there will be more to say then.”
Prime Minister Bill English says he’s not worried about the prospect of Ms Ardern as deputy leader of Labour, telling reporters last week she is “untested.”
Jason Walls
Tue, 07 Mar 2017
Tue, 07 Mar 2017
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Labour caucus elects Jacinda Ardern deputy leader
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