Jacinda Ardern hints at a predominantly red government with a slight tinge of green

The next government is beginning to take shape despite Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Green’s co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson keeping quiet about the content of their talks.

Meanwhile, the role of deputy prime minister appears to be there for Labor Vice President Kelvin Davis to take if he wishes, but he’s also revealing little about whether he does.

Formal talks between Labor and the Greens are likely to take place next week, with the new government expected to be sworn in the following week.

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And while neither side will be drawn to the chances of a formal coalition, it seems unlikely given Ardern’s comments on Labor’s mandate to rule alone and his desire to respect national supporters who may have flagged in the red for the first time. .

That indicates, Davidson admitted, a government that is not willing to go as far or as fast as the Greens want on climate change, biodiversity protection and inequality.

His counterpart James Shaw was more diplomatic.

“We’re in that fun post-election stage where everyone is trying to read the tea leaves in absolutely everything they say,” he said.

“We just don’t have any comment on the nature of the negotiations until they are actually finished.”

Ardern said he will take an inclusive approach and hopes that any government deal with the Greens will be announced next week after the negotiations conclude.

“I’m interested in areas of cooperation where we can use the strengths that exist in your team,” Ardern said.

That could indicate that Shaw is still Minister of Climate Change, although Shaw did not comment on the possibility of any ministerial role.

Any agreement should also be signed by members of the Green Party.

Meanwhile, Ardern reiterated his support for the role of deputy prime minister to be played by the deputy leader of the party, which is determined by the Labor caucus.

Many caucus colleagues offered their support for Kelvin Davis to take over as deputy prime minister, but when asked about it yesterday, Davis did not raise his hand.

“No decisions on roles and responsibilities have been made yet. Really, that’s all I’m going to say about it,” Davis said.

Willie Jackson, who co-chairs the Maori Labor group, said the group supported Davis no matter what he decided.

He rejected the idea that there would be a backlash from Maori if Davis, the Te Tai Tokerau MP and Minister for Maori Crown Relations, did not want the position.

“There is no slap in the face because there has only been support for Kelvin and the Maori caucus at this time,” Jackson said.

“There are no expectations. We are working on what Kelvin wants.”

But Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little said “it would not be welcomed” if someone other than Davis took office.

“He’s a very solid worker, very hard-working and we have a very diverse group and he would make an excellent deputy prime minister,” Little said.

Grant Robertson, who is considered likely to become deputy leader if Davis decides to resign, said the role of deputy prime minister was a decision by Ardern.

“I fully support Kelvin. He is the deputy leader of the Labor Party and will continue to be the deputy leader of the Labor Party, I am sure,” Robertson said.