Street admits coup if Shearer didn't leave

  • Breaking
  • 27/08/2013

There was an admission today from Maryan Street - she was ready to act, if David Shearer didn't.

She wanted Grant Robertson in the job.

Mr Shearer's fishy stunt in Parliament is now a move symbolic of his demise. But, even without the dead fish, had he not jumped when he did, Mr Shearer would've been shoved.

"I didn't force David Shearer's hand, I was ready to move a motion of no confidence had he not responded the way he did to senior colleagues' advice," says Ms Street.

It's outright admission of a planned coup - Ms Street wanted Mr Shearer out to make room for Mr Robertson.

"He represents a new generation of leadership," says Ms Street.

The new leadership contest means unions, party members and MPs all get a say.

Mr Robertson's got the majority of caucus stitched up. Nineteen of his colleagues back him - that's 22 percent of the total vote.

On David Cunliffe's side there are 11 MPs - that's nearly 13 percent.

And Shane Jones, the underdog, has four, giving him nearly 5 percent. That's thought to include Damien O'Connor, who has reservations about Mr Robertson.

When asked if he could work under a gay leader, Mr O'Connor replied, "I've worked with many, many people. It's a concern and an issue for many New Zealanders."

All contenders deny backroom deals for votes.

Jacinda Ardern, Mr Robertson's possible deputy, is playing her cards close. But Andrew Little, who ruled out a leadership bid, is less categorical about his ambitions for deputy.

"I'm ambitious for New Zealand naturally and you know, we all want to be the best we can and [it's] nice to be in the most senior role possible as well," he says.

That's a clear message from Mr Little to the potential leaders - he's got the unions on side so his endorsement really counts.

And anyone who thinks there won't be deals in this contest is dreaming.

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