ACT leadership contender steps down as whip

ACT MP Muriel Newman says she is to step down as party whip, whether or not she wins the party leadership.

ACT will this weekend decide who is to replace Richard Prebble, its only leader since it entered Parliament in 1996.

Dr Newman, deputy leader Ken Shirley, Rodney Hide and Stephen Franks -- half the ACT caucus -- are chasing the top job.

A caucus meeting in Wellington on Saturday will also decide which of eight ACT MPs will be deputy and whip.

A leadership announcement is due on Sunday.

Dr Newman told NZPA today that all caucus jobs lapsed with a change of leadership.

She wanted to take the chance to step down as whip, a key party organisational role in Parliament.

Rated an outsider to lead ACT, she said she would be prepared to serve as deputy if her bid failed.

It was time for another MP to take over her present job, she said.

"I won't put my name forward for whip again," she said.

"Richard shoulder-tapped me a couple of years ago to do it and it's quite a big responsibility in a small party because we have so many portfolio responsibilities.

"I've remained loyal to Richard and now the leadership has changed, I think it is important that someone else has the opportunity to learn the ropes.

"It is a very good experience, but it's not one that in a small party you'd probably want to do forever."

Whips are crucial to any party in Parliament, among other things organising MPs, sitting on the business committee, and ensuring votes are cast correctly.

It can require long hours in the House, with whips often having to put portfolio tasks on the backburner to attend to administration of the legislative process.

Party member votes on the leader are to be counted on Saturday morning, with caucus making the final decision, taking into account the views of members.

Dr Newman said she would be "delighted" to serve as deputy, if asked.

"My view is leader and deputy leader -- while also caucus positions -- are actually serving your party.

"The whole reason you are in Parliament is because your party chose you to serve them.

"You're just going that extra mile for the party, and that's what it's all about."

She would not express an opinion on who should replace her as whip, saying that was for caucus to decide.

First-term MP Deborah Coddington this week said she was seeking the ACT deputy leadership.

Low polling has ACT at risk of being wiped out in the 2005 election.

It does not hold an electorate seat, and is polling below the 5 per cent party vote threshold that must be crossed to win list seats under MMP.

- NZPA