Grant Robertson Yesterday's surprise announcement that David Parker has dropped out of the race for the Labour leadership was apparently prompted by gay MP Grant Robertson deciding to back one of Parker's opponents, David Shearer. Robertson, who is becoming highly influential in the Labour caucus, was earlier considered Parker's 'running mate' and therefore to be a likely deputy leader under a Parker leadership. The NZ Herald's political editor, Audrey Young, says she understands Robertson is now supporting Shearer and, should Shearer come out on top, the choice for deputy could be between Robertson and Parker. Meanwhile, Shearer's main competition for the top role remains David Cunliffe, a protege of ex-MP Helen Clark. Robertson was last night not commenting on the manouvering around the Labour leadership position or his role in it.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 2nd December 2011 - 12:27pm