A Government that is looking like an Opposition

Tova O’Brien writes:

In politics nothing quite says “buggered” like a leaky caucus. 

Caucus confidentiality like cabinet confidentiality should be sacrosanct. 

And leaky caucuses are almost always the reserve of opposition parties. 

So a damning leak to The Post from within Labour’s caucus spells serious trouble for Chris Hipkins. Leaks tend to beget other leaks.

Minister and former party whip – the role tasked with keeping MPs in line – Kieran McAnulty was right to lament the gravity of this week’s leak, telling reporters in parliament on Wednesday, “I’m very surprised to hear that… It’s actually quite a serious thing and I’m disappointed to hear that it’s happened.”

Because leaking is a true hallmark of opposition and weakened leadership. 

Not of a unified single-party majority government confident in their leadership.

It is a very bad sign, especially just before the list ranking is done. How much worse might it be when sitting MPs get unwindable list places?