Alliance leader Laila Harre said today she had no intention of provoking an early election by challenging Jim Anderton.
Ms Harre could test Mr Anderton's claim to lead the Alliance in Parliament by writing to Speaker Jonathan Hunt and informing him Mr Anderton and his supporters had been expelled from the
party.
That would destabilise the coalition, which still exists between Labour and the 10 Alliance MPs, and trigger an early election.
Ms Harre told NZPA there were concerns within the Alliance about the current situation and the ``negative perceptions'' caused by Mr Anderton's decision to form a new party while holding on to the Alliance's parliamentary leadership.
Asked whether she was going to write to Mr Hunt, she replied: ``No. I intend to ensure that the agreement that was reached, which enabled the Alliance MPs and those who used to be members of the Alliance, to operate between now and the election is honoured.
``When I make deals I stick to them.''
She said she would maintain that position through to November if Prime Minister Helen Clark decides to run the Government through a full term.
Ms Harre said the Alliance would be punished for creating instability, and she had to consider that.
``My strong preference is government stability, provided Jim's lot honour the agreement.''
She was referring to the agreement struck between herself and Mr Anderton when the two factions formally divided. It involves continued support for Alliance policies, shared resources in Parliament, and an agreement from both sides not to approach Mr Hunt.
Last week Mr Anderton wrote to Mr Hunt explaining that he retained the support of the majority of Alliance MPs in Parliament, and set out his case for continuing to claim leadership of the caucus.
Ms Harre described that as ``neither here nor there'' and did not appear to consider Mr Anderton had broken the deal.
When Parliament resumes tomorrow, opposition MPs are expected to resume their campaign to get Mr Anderton and the MPs who support him thrown out because they intend joining the Progressive Coalition as soon as Parliament is dissolved ahead of the election.
Mr Hunt insists he is playing by the rules and there has been no change in the status of Mr Anderton and his supporting MPs.
- NZPA
