Two Week Labour Leadership Contest

Labour are going to have a fortnight long leadership contest after current Leader Phil Goff and his Deputy Annette King announced their resignations would take effect from December 13.

The announcement came after a five hour caucus meeting in Parliament today.

Amongst the expected contenders are David Cunliffe, David Parker and David Shearer.

Also in the hunt for a place on the leadership team are Grant Robertson and Nanaia Mahuta, though other names may emerge.

Goff told the media it had taken him ``two seconds’’ to come a decision.

Senior Labour MP Trevor Mallard said New Zealanders put unreasonable expectations on political leaders.

`` There will almost certainly be a contest for both the leadership and deputy leadership.’’

``Like most people I have a view, albeit preliminary. It is not the view ascribed to me by a colleague who thought they were anonymous when they spoke to the media.’’

ends

© Scoop Media