Labour Leader Hipkins Rules Out Leadership Vote Ahead of Final Count
Chris Hipkins told reporters he will stay in the job until special votes are counted, while the caucus prepares to welcome new members and say goodbye to departing MPs.
By Robert Marshall ·
Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated on Sunday that no vote on his leadership will occur when the party caucus meets on Monday. He affirmed his position as the right person for the job, emphasizing that the election process is not yet complete.
Hipkins addressed the media at Parliament for the first time since the general election. He noted that the party has just under three weeks to wait for the final outcome of the special votes. During that period, the team will hold its first caucus meeting to welcome new MPs and farewell those who are leaving.
He acknowledged specific Labour members who will not return to Parliament, naming Rachel Boyack, Deborah Russell, and Dan Rosewarne. Hipkins described the incoming members as a new injection of energy and talent.
When asked if he would step down if Labour lacks a path to power, Hipkins said the election is not over. He suggested the party could be forming a government before Christmas, adding that he will consider his role after the final result is announced.
Reporters inquired whether Michael Wood, a former minister re-entering Parliament, would be a suitable leader. Hipkins called the question ridiculous, noting that there is no vacancy. He declined to discuss why Labour did not secure a stronger party vote, stating there would be time to analyze the results later.
Hipkins described his phone call with Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong as warm and constructive. The two leaders agreed to meet in person within the next week. Hipkins also addressed departing senior National MPs, including Nicola Willis, Chris Bishop, Paul Goldsmith, and Gerry Brownlee.
He called it a tough way to leave Parliament for these long-serving members. Regarding Willis, he noted the difficulty of her role as finance minister. He praised Bishop for their working relationship as local MPs and Leader of the House figures. He mentioned he had less interaction with Goldsmith but saved high praise for Brownlee.
Hipkins called Brownlee good fun and a fierce opponent who kept his word. He said Brownlee handled the difficult role of Speaker with good humor. Hipkins expressed concern that Brownlee would not have the chance to farewell the chamber properly.
The Labour leader also flagged the need to discuss the parliamentary overhang, which currently consists of 11 seats. He predicted conversations about preventing future overhang strategies used in this campaign. Hipkins expressed concern over voter turnout, citing the second lowest ever recorded, and blamed changes made by the previous government for disenfranchising voters.
