Phil Goff has breached political convention and openly admitted that not only might Labour lose the election but, if so, he could be interested in the leadership.
While both those things are widely known, it is not done speak aloud about alternative leadership or admit the possibility
of defeat. That is politics 101.
Goff's offending comments were made a couple weeks ago to Oliver Driver's niche TV show Let's be Frank and will screen tonight on Alt TV.
They are an extraordinary lapse for such a seasoned politician and canvassing the issue of defeat and leadership is the last thing the Labour Government needs in Budget week of election year.
A story by Ben Thomas on the interview went up on the NBR website this morning shortly before the Labour caucus.
Goff reportedly says in the interview "sure there is a prospect of defeat.'
And he reportedly says about the leadership that he would look at it in the event of a loss "if I felt I was the best one [candidate] in that position and that Helen had stood aside voluntarily.'
When he is pressed in the interview on whether he is the best candidate, he apparently says "well I don't know yet. I don't know who is going to put up their hand.'
Goff could barely recall the interview when he was asked about it on the way into caucus this morning and appeared surprised that an interview in an off-beat channel was of any interest.
He reiterated his comments that Labour could lose. He used a little more discretion today on the leadership question, but still implied it could be up for debate soon: "There is no question about leadership at the moment,' he said. "There is 100 per cent support for Helen Clark and I have been 100 per cent in support of her right through this office.'
Helen Clark said she did not know about the comments.
After being caught unawares in the stand-up outside the caucus room Goff could be heard having strong words with his press secretary.
We can only guess that a similar scene was replayed inside the caucus room between Clark and Goff when she caught up with him.
The show, Let's Be Frank, is on tonight, 8.30pm - 9pm, Sky Digital 65 and simulcast on www.alttv.co.nz
