MPs and unions wanting to back the winner

The feedback I'm getting is that a number of MPs and unions might have been expected to back Grant Robertson are holding off as to be blunt they don't want to end up backing the guy who loses. They would prefer Robertson, but if Cunliffe looks too far ahead they will fall in behind Cunliffe.

This means the 12 semi-public meetings could be crucial. If one of the candidates dominates in the first couple, then the opportunistic MPs and unions will swing in behind them. They don't want to back the loser as the fear is promotions and favours will be based on who you supported.

The 12 meetings are:

 

 

Date

 

Time

 

Location

 

Venue

Saturday

31/08/2013

1pm – 3pm Levin Events Centre, A&P Show Grounds Levin
Sunday 1/09/2013 Afternoon Auckland TBC
6pm Auckland Western Springs College Hall
Monday 2/09/2013 6pm Whangarei Forum North, Whangarei
Tuesday 3/09/2013 Evening Hawkes Bay TBC
Wednesday 4/09/2013 7pm – 9pm Tauranga Wesley Centre  100   13th Ave Tauranga
Thursday 5/09/2013 7pm – 9pm Hamilton Te Rapa Racecourse  Centennial Lounge, Hamilton
Saturday 7/09/2013 1pm – 3pm Nelson Victory Community Centre, 2 Totara St, Victory, Nelson.
Evening Wellington Wellington Girls High College TBA
Sunday 8/09/2013 3.30pm Dunedin Kings & Queens Performing Arts Centre, 270 Bay View Road, South Dunedin
Monday 9/09/2013 Evening West Coast Blackball / Greymouth
Tuesday 10/09/2013 7.30pm – 9.30pm Christchurch Christian Cullen Lounge, Addington Raceway, Christchurch

 Also of interest is the race for deputy. Hamish Rutherford at Stuff reports:

leadership contest outsider Shane Jones says he will not try to chose a preferred deputy, but is certain the caucus will choose a woman to fill the role. …

“Without a doubt the Labour caucus will choose, in my view, a woman to be their deputy and I'll just leave that with them,” he said.

That suggests that if Robertson does not win the leadership, he will lose the deputy spot. All or nothing!

Who are the women who might be in line for deputy.

  • Jacinda Ardern – close to Robertson, who former staff colleague. But would Cunliffe or Jones choose her?
  • Maryan Street – a powerful force in caucus, but maybe better behind the scenes?
  • – a previous running mate for Cunliffe
  • Sue Moroney – has lost five electorate races, but could end up deputy
  • Darien Fenton – currently a whip, and could help deliver union votes
  • Clare Curran – a South Islander, well connected in influential ICT industry
  • Megan Woods – also a South Islander, would help get the vote out in Christchurch
  • Ruth Dyson – probably seen as too much part of the past
  • Moana Mackey – close to Cunliffe, a possibility if he wins and Mahuta too busy with family
  • – pedigree union background

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