Labour in limbo
Chris Carter remains in the dog box but the Labour Party is stuck in limbo as it waits for him to decide whether he will return to Parliament.Mr Carter is on two months' leave from Parliament after being ousted as the writer of an anonymous letter sent to
Chris Carter remains in the dog box but the Labour Party is stuck in limbo as it waits for him to decide whether he will return to Parliament.
Mr Carter is on two months' leave from Parliament after being ousted as the writer of an anonymous letter sent to media on July 29, which suggested a coup by Labour MPs who believed the party could not win next year's election with Phil Goff as leader.
Mr Goff said today he had not had any recent contact with Mr Carter.
"I'm not aware of any decision that he's made, as far as I'm concerned he's told the Speaker that he's off work unwell and not in a position to make those decisions (about returning)," Mr Goff said.
Asked if the party was ready for a by-election in Te Atatu should Mr Carter decide to leave Parliament, Mr Goff said it was "always prepared."
He said proceedings by the party's national council into Mr Carter's conduct had stalled until the absent MP was well enough to appear.
"They're waiting for an approach from Chris Carter at the point that he's well enough to make submissions to them."
Meanwhile, Labour was focusing on the Mana by-election following the announcement of Winnie Laban's resignation.
Nominations for candidates have opened and close on September 9 and a candidate was expected to be named by September 18.
"I'm only expecting one (by-election) at this stage and that's the Mana by-election and we're gearing up for that," Mr Goff said.
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