Jacinda Adern Although she has ruled herself out contention for the Labour leadership, gay-friendly MP Jacinda Ardern is polling remarkably well according to research results released on TVNZ's Q+A programme this morning. Ardern, who has sponsored a private member's bill to allow same-sex couples to adopt children and was a staunch supporter of the creation of Auckland's Pride Festival. The Q+A snap poll of eligible voters shows her in second place ahead of Grant Robertson. David Cunliffe was a clear favourite on 29% of all voters and 32% of labour-leaning voters. Ardern came in at 15% of all voters, with Robertson on 10%. Labour president Andrew Little, who has also said he is not standing, polled 9% and Shane Jones, who is considering his options, was on 11%. If he was elected leader, by fellow MPs, party membership and the party's union base, Robertson would be the first gay party leader in New Zealand's history.
Credit: GayNZ.comn Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 25th August 2013 - 3:54pm