Andrew Little has been elected the new leader of the Labour Party in an extremely close race which was decided by union voters. Openly-gay candidate Grant Robertson just came second. Little finished with 50.52 per cent of the vote, after three rounds, to Robertson's 49.48 per cent: Andrew Little, new Labour Party leader Little, like all four nominees, voted in favour of marriage equality. He is the former national secretary of the EPMU and a strong union vote helped him get over the line. However he received just four votes from his fellow MPs. Labour Party President Moira Coatsworth says the result comes after a robust and highly democratic process. “Andrew’s leadership will have the full support of the whole Labour Party.” Robertson and his running mate Jacinda Ardern have appeared clearly disappointed at the close result. Robertson has told media he won't run for party leadership again. Little says he is keen to see the other leadership candidates, including Robertson, to continue to play senior roles in the leadership of the party.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 18th November 2014 - 1:47pm