Video: Goff's comments spark lively debate in ParliamentKEY POINTS:
Would-be Labour leader Phil Goff has fuelled unwelcome speculation about his party's leadership and the possibility of losing the election by making untimely public comments during one of the most critical weeks of the Government's term.
Mr Goff, with 25 years as an MP, is usually a highly disciplined member of a caucus that is the most disciplined in 15 years.
Yet in his Alt TV interview last night, he canvassed the prospect of defeat - "sure, there's a prospect we might lose the election" - and contemplated the possibility of replacing Helen Clark, "if I felt that I was the best person in that position and that Helen had stood aside voluntarily."
Asked if he wanted to be Labour leader after Helen Clark he said "it's not an overwhelming ambition".
Interviewer Oliver Driver said Mr Goff's comments had been blown out of proportion and the NBR - which originally ran the story - had beaten it up.
There is no suggestion that Helen Clark's leadership will be under threat before the election and Mr Goff said he was "100 per cent" behind her.
But the controversy over his comment, made before tomorrow's tax-cutting Budget, is bad news for Labour, which is accusing the media of "a beat up".
Mr Goff did little yesterday to make amends for his public admission that he wants Helen Clark's job if Labour loses the election.
"There is no question about leadership at the moment," he said yesterday when questioned about his pre-recorded television interview.
A seasoned politician who wanted to end discussion about leadership would usually give such an answer unconditionally, without qualifications such as "at the moment".
It is no secret that Mr Goff wants to be Labour leader, but it is the first time he has acknowledged it publicly and it is the first time a senior Labour MP has openly contemplated defeat.
The interview was with actor and broadcaster Oliver Driver on the Let's be Frank show. Mr Goff's comments opened the door for National leader John Key to raise the leadership issue in Parliament.
Helen Clark, Labour leader for 14 1/2 years, hit back: "As the member is the fifth leader of the National Party I have dealt with, I would say there are rather more loyalty issues over there, including one from the person sitting next to him [deputy leader Bill English]."
Labour's caucus closed ranks last night and no MP the Herald spoke to was prepared to criticise Mr Goff.
But what happens after the election has been the subject of much internal discussion in Labour for months.
Mr Goff is seen as Helen Clark's likely successor if Labour loses badly.
Steve Maharey was once seen as a contender from the left, but he is retiring to become vice-chancellor of Massey University.
Trevor Mallard's prospects have faded over the past two years as controversies have enveloped him.
David Cunliffe is thought to have leadership ambitions as well but is inexperienced and may stand more of a show as deputy.
