The coup plotters are just waiting more favourable poll results to move on the top job, but this creates a somewhat bigger problem - who will be Deputy? As Cullen moves up a notch, who is going to fill his slot? And could the choice of Deputy be used to ease the PM's decision (to fight or not to fight) once the numbers are formally presented to her.
The logical choice is Goff, from the perspective of preparation for the move post election into the Leader slot. But a Cullen/Goff pairing would not really unify the Party. Moreover, the Deputy should really be a woman in today's Labour Party.
The dream candidate two years ago would have been Annette King, but as every day goes by, the Baygate scandal is growing (most recently The Listener has taken up the case) and King's involvement is causing mounting concern.
So Labour needs: a woman; not involved in current scandal; left wing faction best; Auckland connection best for this election but maybe a hindrance once Goff becomes leader; able to counter Bill English in election campaign; no ambition to be Leader after Cullen - because that job goes to Goff; must be able to work with Goff and Cullen; newer MP could be an advantage as this could serve as an example of a party renewing itself; someone the current PM really likes also an advantage as it might help soften the blow.
We have heard a couple of names. But lets have some fun here. We would be interested in the views of others - Kiwiblog, Whaleoil, No Minister, The Standard, Keeping Stock etc.- who do you think would be best? Put the political baggage to one side. This list is purely notional, other bloggers should feel free to post their ideas. The more the better. Political journalists should feel free to comment on their blogs also.
