October 25, 2023
Jackson sticking round for transition to Opposition
Senior Labour Party MP Willie Jackson says he’ll stick around for at least six months to help in the transition to Opposition and prepare for the expected roll back of Māori and treaty policies.
He spent today farewelling staff as the ministerial offices move into caretaker mode pending the change of Government after vote counts are finalised and a new coalition formed.
He says he has skills and relationships that can help at this time, especially as Labour may need to work with the Greens and Te Pāti Māori to form an effective Opposition.
“I’ll hang in there for a while and see how we go. I’m quite clear, I didn’t come to parliament to be in Opposition but at the same time I have an obligation to our people I shouldn’t walk away from – as I have been reminded – and if my skills are needed I will try and help out in any way I can over the next few months and then see where things are at,” Mr Jackson says.