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Labour elects Phil Goff as new leaderTuesday, 11 November 2008, 4:00 pmPress Release: New Zealand Labour Party | ||
Hon Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party
11November 2008Media Statement
Labour elects Phil Goff asnew leader
The Labour Party caucus today electedLabour’s new leadership team.
By unanimous decision,Phil Goff was elected as Leader of the Parliamentary LabourParty, with Annette King as his deputy.
David Cunliffewill be Labour’s spokesperson on finance, and DarrenHughes and Steve Chadwick the Senior and Junior OppositionWhips respectively.
Mr Goff said a strong and effectiveOpposition is vital to the effective functioning of ademocracy.
“Labour will fulfil that role. Our caucus is43 strong, seven down on our 2005 election result,” PhilGoff said.
“In Government, Labour succeeded because ithad a united, disciplined and motivated parliamentary andministerial team.
“The outcome of today’s caucusdemonstrates that Labour will be a strong, united anddetermined Opposition.
“We have 13 new members, who arethe most talented and able intake into our caucus since1984. Their presence gives Labour’s caucus a strongcombination of experience and new and fresh talent.
“Weaccept the verdict of the people that after nine years ingovernment, the mood was time for a change. Time will tellwhether the changes which are proposed will be what thepublic was led to believe.
“We are proud of what Labourhas achieved for New Zealand over its time in office – wehave left the country a better place than we found it,”Phil Goff said.
“We recognise however the importance ofreconnecting with the electorate and regrouping, using ourtime in opposition to develop new policy as well asfulfilling the role of holding the Government toaccount.
“In Opposition, we will support the Governmentconstructively where we believe its actions are consistentwith the well-being of New Zealand and NewZealanders.
“Where we believe it is acting contrary tothe best interests of New Zealand, such as slashingKiwisaver, R&D; tax credits or privatising ACC, we willoppose the Government vigorously.
“We will be watchfulfor secret agendas.
“Caucus today also madepresentations to our departing MPs and acknowledged theircontribution,” Phil Goff said.
“Specialacknowledgement was given to our departing leaders, HelenClark and Michael Cullen.
“Helen and Michael were asuperb leadership team and we owe a great debt to them. Theyshared a passion for making New Zealand a better and fairersociety.
“Their skill, determination and competence areacknowledged even by their critics.
“It was a pleasureand a privilege to have worked with them over nine years inGovernment. I am pleased that we will continue to have thebenefit of their participation and experience in ourcaucus,” Phil Goffsaid.
ENDS
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