Juan Miguel Padaguan, RNZ
Today’s press conference saw Labour MPs Summer Smith and Joaquin Faulkner announce their split from the Labour Party and the creation of the New Progressive party. In an earlier interview, they told RNZ that they hoped to rule as co-leaders of a sixth party in Parliament. During the conference, another Labour MP publicly stated his dislike for his party, and it seems that their views may be in line with the New Progressives, though RNZ has not been able to reach out yet for comment.
This plot by disenfranchised Labour MPs sharply contrasts with the statements of Labour Party Members interviewed earlier by RNZ.
“Labour feels very secure in their leadership,” said MP Thomas Moggie.
“We are working towards a common goal,” added MP Noah Moody.
The Labour Party Leader and Deputy Leader contradicted the disgruntled MPs.
“The Labour Party is a united front,” they said in response to questions by the press about the disunity of the party. They repeated the statement even after the declaration of secession by the New Progressive Party.
However, accusations have come out of New Progressive’s newly established Co-Leader MP Faulkner being part of a gang of bullies who went around stealing lunches from kids. This information has been acquired from an ACT MP who asked to remain anonymous.
Another accusation was brought up, this time against the Labour Deputy Leader. It claims that they had attempted to leave the Labour Party during the MPI caucus to be the Co-Leader of Te Pati Māori instead. They denied this, with the Leader of Te Pati Māori backing their claim. Though, the Deputy did say the following: “My loyalty is to my people first and to my party second.”
An interview with Labour MP Logan King – who was at the MPI caucus – after the press conference, however, gave a statement which also conflicted with the Labour Deputy Leader and Te Pati Maori Leader’s claim on the former’s failed effort to transfer between parties.
“The Labour Deputy Leader attempted to leave their party for Te Pati Maori, however, was unable to due to their obligations as Labour’s Deputy and was visibly frustrated.”
