Beyer says she may be victim of PC backlash

Georgina Beyer can't decide whether to retire as an MP. Picture/ Martin Sykes

Transsexual list MP Georgina Beyer confirmed yesterday that she had been told by Prime Minister Helen Clark the party would not stand in her way if she found "new opportunities" during the present term.

She also admitted to being a little hurt by it.

She is 47 and has been an MP for only two terms, as MP for Wairarapa.

She is now part of a Labour caucus that has a greater portion of discontented MPs in it than for the previous six years: those who were overlooked for promotion in the ministerial allocations and those who are urged to think about "new opportunities".

Helen Clark said this week that she was expecting "exits with dignity" for long-serving MPs on the list during the present term of Parliament.

That would allow the party to rejuvenate between elections.

Trade Minister Jim Sutton and Associate Economic Development Minister Dover Samuels have been offered inducements of diplomatic posts but both turned them down: Ottawa, Washington or Canberra for Mr Sutton, and Niue for Mr Samuels.

Others who have been told the party would not be concerned if they took "new opportunities" midterm are thought to include Russell Fairbrother and Dianne Yates.

Georgina Beyer believes part of the reason her days in Parliament are numbered is because of Labour's sensitivity to a backlash against its so-called political correctness.

"What do I represent? Everything, in lots of ways, that is PC. To my greatest critics I encapsulate everything they think is wrong."

But there were also many people who thought she was inspirational.

"People say to me 'I'm so glad you're back in Parliament; it's so wonderful to have someone like you there'.

"Whether or not I'm doing a good job, they just like the idea that someone like me is there.

"On the odd occasions when I have said something profoundly interesting or lost my head in front of Brian Tamaki there's quite a lot of New Zealanders out there going 'Yeah! Good on you!'

"I wear my heart on my sleeve and while it might be seen as a weakness by some, that's just me."

Georgina Beyer has not been a model MP.

She announced her retirement in the first term, then changed her mind. Then she announced her retirement again in the second term, then asked to be considered for the list.

She also spoke against her Government's Foreshore and Seabed Bill but eventually did not vote against it.

She regards herself lucky to have even got a winnable place on the list and regards the next three years as her "bonus term" - unless she lands another great job before the next election.

Other disappointed MPs are likely to be Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick and Christchurch Central MP Tim Barnett.

More positions are still to be determined, such as presiding officers, whips and select committee chairmanships.

Mr Barnett is thought to be a key contender for the post of chief whip, vacated by list MP Jill Pettis, who lost her Whanganui seat at the election.