Tizard denies giving Labour the runaround

Judith Tizard. Photo / The Aucklander

Former Labour MP Judith Tizard is denying she is playing games by refusing to quickly kowtow to the Labour Party's hints she should refuse the list seat left empty by the resignation of Darren Hughes.

Ms Tizard has still not decided whether she will take the seat, which Labour's president Andrew Little has said he would prefer to go to Louisa Wall because she will be standing in the election this year.

Ms Tizard said yesterday she was busy with plans for her mother Dame Cath Tizard's 80th birthday and was hoping to attend a school reunion.

She had checked with Parliament's officials and was told Mr Hughes had not yet formally resigned so the process to replace him had not yet begun.

She denied she was making things more difficult for Labour.

"There is a simple constitutional process which has not yet been engaged. I'm not playing games about this. Many people are arguing it is a constitutional position and having made a commitment three years ago, I'm obliged to take it. I've always been somewhat of a Brownie and I tend to do what I say I'll do."

She said she had to weigh up whether she could achieve anything useful and if she was prepared to set aside other obligations.

Ms Tizard has also implicitly criticised Labour leader Phil Goff, including questioning whether he could "step up" to the job of Prime Minister. Yesterday Mr Goff brushed off the comments, saying he had broad shoulders and any of those who were next on the list would be warmly welcomed to the caucus.

Ms Tizard was also more conciliatory, saying Mr Goff had been generous to her and she always supported the leader "because it's a difficult job".