Tizard says factions returning

Judith Tizard. Photo / Getty Images

Former Labour MP Judith Tizard says the party leader Phil Goff is drawing the Labour Party back into the factionalism characteristic of the 1980s.

She made her comments to the Herald last night after explaining why she decided not to take up the party list vacancy in Parliament.

The vacancy will be created tomorrow when the resignation of chief whip and education spokesman Darren Hughes takes effect.

Police are investigating Mr Hughes after a complaint made by an 18-year-old university student.

The vacancy will almost certainly be taken by former MP Louisa Wall, Labour's Manurewa candidate, after it is turned down by other ex-MPs on the list: Mark Burton, Mahara Okeroa, Martin Gallagher, and Dave Hereora.

Judith Tizard admitted on TVNZ's Q + A programme that it had been an anguishing decision.

"I have probably changed my mind three times a day for the last week," she said.

Some people had wanted her there as an advocate for older people who are finding it hard to get work, but others were concerned about the effects on her of being part of what they see is a personalised debate over her return.

She said the only advice her friend and former leader Helen Clark had given her on the matter was "make up your mind".

She said she had always supported the former leader of the Labour Party, though Mr Goff hadn't - referring to a failed coup against Helen Clark in 1996 where she stared down a group, including Mr Goff, who asked her to step down.

"He made it very difficult for Helen in 1996 and I've always truly believed that loyalty goes two ways.

"I have to say that I think it is unfortunate that Phil seems to have retreated into a rather more factionalised approach than was the Labour Party in the 1980s."

"Leaders can only bring what they are and what they have. Phil is an intelligent man. He is able in many ways.

"The question for him and the caucus now is whether he can win the election."

Mr Goff's handling of the Hughes affair was a catalyst for the caucus to seriously question his judgment - and draw public criticism from president Andrew Little - but his leadership is safe for now.

Mr Goff is from the right of the Labour Party.

Judith Tizard, from the left, was an MP for 18 years, in Panmure and then Auckland Central.

She said that now her health had returned after battling hepatitis, she wanted a job, but was not yet sure in what area. She is certain she doesn't want a job fundraising though.

Meanwhile, the Labour Party has a new president, Moira Coatsworth, who was the senior vice-president.

Mr Little stepped down as he was expected to concentrate on his bid to win New Plymouth, the most marginal seat in the country.

Moira Coatsworth lives in Coromandel and works as a child psychologist in the Waikato.

She was appointed unanimously by the New Zealand Council on Saturday.