Phil Goff rustled up only 31 Grey Power members at a Hastings hall on Wednesday so why are Labour MPs blaming David Cunliffe for the party's election woes?
It's no secret Cunliffe is disliked among the ranks and that he has ambition to burn. David Shearer is no big fan and has his eyes squarely on the leadership. Green co-leader Russel Norman has his eyes on being a minister, but presumably his coalition squint isn't directed to the red corner.
Polls suggest John Key has the election in the bag but he's trying hard not to appear smug. Good luck with that. His refusal to do many interviews will do little to rectify that image. Key took the Maori Party from Labour and if the Greens eye up the Nats, even in confidence and supply, Key has every reason to look smug.
Key has backed John Banks for Epsom. The cameras rolled with the question on everyone's minds: does Banksie use Botox? Even the visually-challenged can see there's been an image overhaul. The hair is chestnut brown, the glasses resemble Harry Potter's and the facial lines appear smoother. But if Banksie wants to come across as younger and sharper, he shouldn't stand next to Don Brash. Easy. As for Maurice Williamson, my moles tell me National is hiding him so he won't say anything stupid before the election. Labour must be thinking: Why didn't we do that with Cunliffe last week?
