Mallard on Finance Minister

As others have reported Trevor Mallard was explicit on Agenda on Saturday that he wants to replace Michael Cullen as Finance Minister.

No Mallard is a smart operator generally and did say that he doesn’t expect it to until next term or even the one after. However despite that qualifier, I think he will find it was most unwise to say what he said.

The reason it was a silly thing to confirm, is because basically it was off message. It means that the media do more stories speculating on when Cullen will retire, rather than what positive plans Labour has for the future. It’s the main thing people remember from his interview.