Two Labour MPs threaten to quit
Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 at 8:19 PM | Permalink
Labour is facing internal disaffection following the threatened resignation of two MPs: Marian Hobbs over the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary; and Taito Philip Field over his ongoing corruption investigation.
The Department of Internal Affairs' decision to pass over the Wildlife Sanctuary despite Helen Clark launching the Significant Community Based Projects Fund at Karori and describing it as the sort of project the fund would support. Hobbs made her disappointment public:
Ms Hobbs told The Dominion Post the decision was "crazy".
She had personally campaigned to get the fund established after finding it difficult to get money for the sanctuary.
"You can't imagine how hurt I feel having fought this through. It's embarrassing. It's bloody hurtful," she told the newspaper.
Today's Press backs up yesterday's Independent Financial Review article that Hobbs was so angry that she tendered her resignation to Clark but was talked down. A spokesperson for Clark said:
"Marian Hobbs is a loyal and capable member of the Labour caucus and we expect that to continue."
The never-ending corruption investigation of Taito Philip Field continues and it appears he is using the government's one seat majority as leverage. Rumours of him defecting to United Future or establishing his own party have circulated in the media. His only response so-far has been to say:
"Only God know the trust of what is going to happen ... you should ask him."
Labour were once renowned for their lack of leaks and tight discipline, it is beginning to unravel. Rumours are also saying that the Beehive is becoming increasing frantic with many negative stories running simultaneously and experienced staff leaving.
Tags: Labour disunity
The Department of Internal Affairs' decision to pass over the Wildlife Sanctuary despite Helen Clark launching the Significant Community Based Projects Fund at Karori and describing it as the sort of project the fund would support. Hobbs made her disappointment public:
Ms Hobbs told The Dominion Post the decision was "crazy".
She had personally campaigned to get the fund established after finding it difficult to get money for the sanctuary.
"You can't imagine how hurt I feel having fought this through. It's embarrassing. It's bloody hurtful," she told the newspaper.
Today's Press backs up yesterday's Independent Financial Review article that Hobbs was so angry that she tendered her resignation to Clark but was talked down. A spokesperson for Clark said:
"Marian Hobbs is a loyal and capable member of the Labour caucus and we expect that to continue."
The never-ending corruption investigation of Taito Philip Field continues and it appears he is using the government's one seat majority as leverage. Rumours of him defecting to United Future or establishing his own party have circulated in the media. His only response so-far has been to say:
"Only God know the trust of what is going to happen ... you should ask him."
Labour were once renowned for their lack of leaks and tight discipline, it is beginning to unravel. Rumours are also saying that the Beehive is becoming increasing frantic with many negative stories running simultaneously and experienced staff leaving.
Tags: Labour disunity
