Barnett new Labour chief whip

New Labour chief whip Tim Barnett accepts he has his work cut out.

Elected unopposed yesterday, the Christchurch Central MP said: "I think it is going to be a challenge, and I love challenges."

Labour does not command a majority in Parliament for general legislation and procedural matters.

It also faces a rejuvenated National Party with 48 MPs opposing Labour's 50.

The whips are in charge of organising MPs in Parliament.

Mr Barnett acknowledged that he was considered a mild-mannered person but said he had a background in managing people.

He is best known around Parliament for helping to guide through prostitution law reform and the civil union legislation.

Mr Barnett replaces Jill Pettis, who had said she was not seeking the job as she wanted to concentrate on regaining the Wanganui electorate she lost in September's election.

Mr Barnett, one of the first openly gay men to be elected to Parliament, said he had spent six years as chairman of a select committee, working on "difficult" legislation.

"Now is a great time to learn more about the workings of the system and to be in a very exciting position in what is going to be a fascinating three years of government."

Otaki MP Darren Hughes is the new junior whip.

- NZPA