Leadership bid decision

Press, 21 January 1983, Page 4

Leadership bid decision

PA Wellington A possible candidate for the Labour Party leadership. Mr Colin Moyle.’ said yesterday he was “waiting for the cookie to crumble a bit more" before finally deciding whether to stand. The Hunua member of Parliament, who put himself forward for the leadership being vacated by Mr Rowling, when the latter made his announcement last month, said he would stand if he believed he could win. "My attitude has not

i changed over Christmas, r "My one concern is the , achievement of party unity - and a team that has appeal j as far as the public is cont cerned ... a team that can ; win at the next election whenever that might be. f That to me what it is all f about,” Mr Moyle said. > He would not discount the - possibility of accepting the > deputy leadership, but he said it was unlikely the > Labour caucus would’ vote for a leader and a deputy t both from Auckland.

Mr Moyle, who has a South Auckland farm, said he would make a public announcement late next week, ignoring the appeal by the leadership favourite, Mr David Lange, for the issue to be aired and decided only inside the caucus. "As far as I am concerned. I think we are dealing with the party at large as well as the Parliamentary party." Mr Moyle said. He believed he would have the support of Mr Rowling if he stood for the leadership in

the ballot on February 3. "It would be nice to have a public endorsement by Mr Rowling but I have said I think if I do run. I will have his support. I see no reason J to change that." Mr Moyle resigned from Parliameht in 1976, having represented Mangere. which is now Mr Lange's seat, for S 11 years. He was accused of T having misled Parliament. During the Labour Government of 1972-75 he was a popular Minister of Agricul- Wl ture. C