A history of Chris Hipkins' political career and memorable moments.
Former Labour Cabinet minister Iain Lees-Galloway has welcomed Chris Hipkins as the only nomination for the Labour leadership today, saying as prime minister he will focus on the issues that matter to the average voter.
Lees-Galloway said things like the cost of living, things for kids and being able to put a roof over your head are what matter to Hipkins, which makes him the right person for Labour going into an election.
“He has got the right set of competencies to be an excellent prime minister and leader of the caucus, but also has the political antennae to be able to appeal to people that Labour needs to win back.
“He will not have that same star power on the international stage. He is not as charismatic as Jacinda, but his strengths lie elsewhere… he is very well-regarded as someone on top of the detail and strong from an administrative point of view.
“He presents a back-to-basics approach,” said Lees-Galloway, who held several portfolios from 2017 and quit politics in 2020 after being dismissed from Cabinet by Ardern following an affair with a staff member.
The former Labour MP said Hipkins would “absolutely” have been his pick for party leader if he was still in caucus.
Former Labour Party leader David Shearer. Photo / Glenn Taylor
David Shearer, leader of the Labour Party from 2011 to 2013, said during his time in politics he was really impressed with Hipkins, who entered Parliament in 2008: “I really rate him”.
He said Hipkins was the best choice as Labour leader for a couple of reasons - he is an extremely good politician, extremely competent in all the areas he has taken on.
“He is very smart, hard-working and extremely good on his feet, and a very, very good debater, which makes him a very good choice going into an election and coming up against Christopher Luxon.
“He has been coined the Minister of Everything and now he is going to be the Minister for Everything,” Shearer said.
The second reason, said Shearer, is it is a unanimous decision, which speaks volumes for the confidence he has in the Labour caucus and will ensure it remains united, “which is critical”.
Chris Hipkins may want to rethink unpopular policies, like Three Waters, says David Shearer. Photo / NZME
Shearer said that as a new leader, Hipkins may want to put aside some unpopular policies, saying the two lightning rods at the moment are Three Waters and the Television New Zealand-Radio New Zealand merger.
“I don’t know what he will do with those, but what Labour does have the ability to do now is say, ‘Okay, we are going to put this aside because we have got a new leader and we want to move on with whatever Chris decides’.
“Labour has the ability to now, say, hold something and put it to one side for more reflection and move on to other things. That might be a good thing in light of a pretty tight election,” Shearer said.
Former Labour leader David Cunliffe. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Another former Labour leader, David Cunliffe (2013-2014), said Hipkins was clearly the safe choice for Labour, blending continuity of senior team with fresh energy and drive.
“But whoever has the helm in this very short, eight-month period has their work cut out for them to reframe a campaign according to their own priorities,” Cunliffe said.
