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Kelvin Davis will not be deputy prime minister, he revealed today.
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Davis told the media today that he will not run, ahead of Jacinda Ardern’s announcement of ministerial roles. Source: 1 NEWS
“I have made the decision not to seek the post of deputy prime minister, but I will seek to remain as vice chairman of the Labor Party,” he said.
“The Prime Minister has said from the beginning, it is my decision and my decision alone.
“I entered politics for two reasons: one, to represent Te Tai Tokerau, and two, to make a difference for the Maori. And that is what I have been doing and what I will continue to do.
“We have a very large caucus … and it will take a lot of management over the needs of our back bank. I am happy to play that role and allow whoever is the deputy prime minister and of course the prime minister to fulfill their duties.
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Jacinda Ardern told Breakfast that the Tourism Minister has made a huge commitment to businesses. Source: Breakfast
“I see myself supporting the larger group.”
Jacinda Ardern said Davis contacted her “before the election and made it clear to me that the role of deputy prime minister was not what he wanted.”
“I asked him to wait until after the election, to think a bit and consider it, but more recently he has continued to hold that position.
“That was his decision. Kelvin has made this decision, and it is one that he has made.
Ardern said he still wanted him as a Labor aide.
“He still has my full support and my full confidence. He will have my full support to remain deputy leader of the Labor Party.”
“There is no reason why there cannot be that difference in roles. The deputy leader of the Labor Party is a role that means taking care of the caucus a lot, connecting with the party. It is a role that Kelvin has had done during the last three years without being the deputy prime minister. “
It comes as the new cabinet will be revealed today.
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James Shaw and Marama Davidson told TVNZ1’s breakfast that their cooperation agreement was a “win-win” and “the best of both worlds.” Source: Breakfast
Yesterday the Green Party and Labor signed a cooperation agreement. It is much less specific than the 2017 supply and coalition agreement. Some of that was reflected in the appointment of just two ministers. The Green Party held three in the last Government.
