Hughes Resigns As MP – Cabal Rising To Replace Goff
Report – By Selwyn Manning.
Labour leader Phil Goff has announced that he accepted Darren Hughes' resignation. The announcement follows days of speculation over Hughes'
political future after he confirmed he was the focus of a Police investigation into a complaint made by an 18 year-old
male.
Phil Goff said Friday afternoon: “Events of the past few days have made it increasingly clear to Darren that the
controversy around the allegations made against him has made it impossible to carry out his duties.
“In reaching that decision he is adamant that he has committed no offence. He needs to focus on clearing his name. I
agree this is the right decision. It is important that the police are able to conclude their investigation without
interference,” Phil Goff said.
Phil Goff's leadership has been in question since it was revealed he knew about the complaint two week's ago. The
alleged incident is said to have occurred at Labour deputy leader Annette King's home, where Darren Hughes was a border.
Labour insiders have told Scoop that Hughes offered Goff his resignation weeks ago, after confiding in his leader that
he was under Police investigation. The fact that Goff didn't accept it then has caused stress amongst Labour caucus
members.
Scoop has also learnt that indeed a cabal representing a group within caucus is counting numbers against Goff.
Maryann Street and Ruth Dyson are representing a cabal that is seeking support for David Parker to replace Goff. And
rumours that Helen Clark and her strong-arm strategist Heather Simpson have been consulted appear to have some
substance.
Today, Scoop understands Parker has the numbers to roll Goff. He does have the support of the majority of the Labour
caucus. But Scoop also understands the cabal will not make its move to roll the leader until Goff absorbs full
responsibility for his handling of the Hughes affair.
Also, Labour's caucus will not be meeting this coming week, leaving little opportunity for a formal leadership vote to
be put.
While Parker has Street and Dyson counting the numbers, Goff is left undefended. Hughes was his chief whip, he would
normally go bidding for the leader. But with him out of the picture it is left to Stevie Chadwick who does not have the
clout to stave off a leadership coup.
The earliest this situation can be put to bed is when caucus meets in over one week's time. That is unless a crisis
meeting is called with all Labour Mps returning to Wellington to vote.
Scoop understands that when the Parker cabal finally decides to make its move, Annette King will also be rolled from her
deputy leadership position.
Also, Parker realises that if he wishes to aspire to the Labour Party leadership, then it is now or never. Should he
wait until next term, it is likely caucus would support Andrew Little, the current Labour Party president (presuming he
wins a seat at this year's election).