19 September 2002

Greens push to have 'leader of opposition' abolished

Green co-leader Rod Donald today made a submission to the Standing Orders Committee arguing that the position of 'Leader of the Opposition' be abolished.

Mr Donald said the position was a hangover from the old FPP electoral system and had no place in an MMP environment.

"It is no longer credible to claim that the leader of the largest party outside of Government is the most likely person to form an alternative Government.

"In this parliament National does not even comprise a majority of opposition members and therefore should have no automatic right to claim the position of 'Leader of the Opposition', or the power and privileges that go with it," he said.

"Bill English is having trouble leading his own caucus. How on earth can he claim to represent every other opposition party as well?"

The submission also proposed a solution to where MPs should sit in the House for the swearing in ceremony.

ENDS

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