Transcript: Chris Carter's letter

Chris Carter's

Just a heads up on two issues you might find quite interesting in the Labour caucus.

1) Next Tuesday the union based MPs will challenge Goff's position on the tradability of the 4th week of the month's annual leave entitlement. There is general outrage that in an unguarded media moment Goff bucked the caucus and CTU position that the 4th week was not tradable for cash and essentially supported Key's position. This issue has brought to a head the growing discontent in the caucus with both Goff's leadership style and his poor polling. David Cunliffe has a big smile on his face and many in the caucus now expect a move against Goff and King before the election.

2) George Hawkins has been challenged in his electorate by a member of the Engineers union. Nominations close on 1 September. George is threatening a by-election and since the party is broke there is panic in the ranks over this prospect.