Labour Pains

The Rebirth of Labour

    

It seems a lifetime ago that we were standing on the side of the road waving signs, handing out pamphlets, and knocking on doors trying to gain the support of the electorate for a Labour lead government. For a number of reasons the electorate did not support the Labour Party. National was re-elected with increased support. 

In the wake of such a poor result on election night there was always going to be some fall out. However, after initially indicating he would continue, David Cunliffe resigned as Labour leader and then bowed out of the leadership race altogether. 

As a new Labour member, I was unaware of the various factions within the party. I liked David Cunliffe. I saw him in action during the campaign, he had presence, was articulate and connected with the people around him. However, as many people did not share my view it became evident Labour needed a new leader. 

When nominations closed on Tuesday 14th October, there were four candidates: Andrew Little, Nanaia Mahuta, David Parker and Grant Robertson. After a grueling general election these four must now go back on the road to seek support from Labour Party members.  They face a mammoth task to, not only, lead the Labour Party, but to rebuild its reputation and support base. At this early stage of the leadership campaign it is a close race with no one candidate having a clear lead or advantage.

Grant Robertson, Nanaia Mahuta, Andrew Little, David Parker

Arguably, whoever wins takes on an unenviable job. Labour's support base is at its lowest. The National Party led by John Key can seem to do nothing wrong in the eyes of the public. Although three years may seem a long time, it is not long to rebuild Labour into the viable alternative to the current government. It seems that people think the Labour Party does not represent them. They are tradesmen, small business owners, and middle New Zealanders who perceive they do not have a connection with Labour as the party of the people. 

Over the next month we will hear how each of the leadership candidates propose to rebuild connections with the community and within the Party. Once the leadership race is decided, my hope is that we can get in behind the new leader, put our efforts where they are needed, and fight to make New Zealand a fair society. 

It may be a painful process but it is one we must go through in order that we are growing and strong in 2017.

  #Stay Positive