Labour proposes new leadership rules

Labour leader David Shearer said the changes were aimed at making the party more democratic. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Under new rules proposed for the Labour Party a leadership contest can be forced by two thirds of caucus or a no-confidence vote, and in electing a new leader the party's membership will be given 40 per cent of the vote, caucus 40 per cent and its affiliate unions 20 per cent.

The NZ Council told caucus of its decisions this morning, effectively ending the current model under which only caucus gets to elect new leaders.

Under the new process, Labour's caucus will hold a confidence vote in the leader within three months after an election. If the leader does not get the majority support of caucus, it will kick off a leadership contest. Leadership challenges can also be sparked by two thirds of caucus signing a petition or if a leader resigns.

In the vote for a new leader, party members and caucus have 40 per cent each of the vote and the affiliates 20 per cent. The voting will be preferential and concurrent.

The Council has also recommended that current leader David Shearer face his first confidence vote in February next year, the timing which was required under the current rules.

The changes to the party's Constitution will be made at the annual conference in November, although they are still subject to possible change.

It said the clear message from party members was that they wanted to take part in electing a new leader, as happened in many overseas Labour parties.

Labour leader David Shearer said the changes were aimed at making the party more democratic, along with others decided on during a six month review of the party.

There are also hopes giving more influence to party members will encourage more people to join.

In a letter to members, Party President Moira Coatsworth said the raft of recommendations constituted a significant change for the party and members could give further feedback until the end of August to allow any major disagreements to be identified.

Other changes included:

- allowing young and low income people to join the party based on a minimal koha, rather than full membership fees.

- establishing a new 'registered supporter' category, a step below full membership.

- changes to list selection, including a more open process and smaller moderating committee.

- allow groups other than unions to become affiliates, such as Maori organisations.