By 3 News Political Editor Duncan Garner
A top New Zealand businessman who’s one of Labour’s backroom boys has bluntly called on party leader Phil Goff to resign.
Selwyn Pellett says Mr Goff can’t win the election and in his words should be “put to bed” to avoid a devastating loss come November.
Mr Pellett is a businessman, a deep economic thinker with strong links to Labour. He has helped Labour write its economic policy, has attended party conferences and run policy workshops.
Labour MPs promote his thinking on their own website.
But today the relationship hit the rocks as Mr Pellett called on Mr Goff to resign.
In a blog, Mr Pellett writes:
"Labour is likely to lose the election no matter who is leading it, but with Phil Goff at the helm it could be a devastating result. People have simply stopped listening.
"It's sad as Phil is a very nice and sincere man but now it's time for him to go."
3 News spoke to Mr Pellett, who is currently in America.He wouldn’t be interviewed but said: “Labour is now completely dysfunctional. It has to put Phil to bed.”
Mr Goff said he had “no reaction” to the comments.
“It’s the expression of one individual who is entitled to his opinion.”
Mr Pellett says a strong opposition is essential and Mr Goff can’t deliver that.
3 News asked long-time Labour MP George Hawkins if Mr Goff can win this year’s election. He answered simply, “We’ll see on election day.”
The proper answer to that question if you’re a Labour MP is yes, of course he can win. But not many in Labour even privately agree with that anymore.
Ask them publicly, and it puts them in an even more uncomfortable position.
A number of Mr Goff’s front-bench MPs told 3 News today Mr Goff will not stand down, and accepted Mr Pellett’s comments are most unhelpful.
3 News