Shearer on Labour

The SST reports the words of the new MP for Mt Albert:

New Mt Albert MP David Shearer has wasted no time in sending a clear message to his party that it must move with the times, generate new ideas, recruit fresh talent, take risks and listen to New Zealanders.

With all the votes counted, Shearer had 62 percent, Melissa Lee trailed with 17 percent and the Greens Russel Norman had 12 percent.

It was a huge victory and Shearer should be very happy with pretty much a fault free campaign.

Labour needs fresh ideas and needs to reconnect with the people. As you stay in government there’s a tendency to lock down and not take risks as you go on,” Shearer said.

“I think what you’ve got to be constantly doing is refreshing and taking time to get new ideas and continuing to listen. I think otherwise you end up hunkering down and fighting battles, and then people get tired.

He is right on the reconnection and new ideas. Hopefully we will get to see some new ideas from Labour as times goes on – at present they seem to still be fighting yesterday’s battles.