I must say I love the Christmas season. You spend a lot of time catching up with all sorts of interesting people, having a few too many drinks and sharing some gossip.
How much of it is true is anyone’s guess but here’s a few things I’ve picked up around the traps.
John Key’s office has been running a social media astroturf campaign supporting Prince William’s visit and will be hosting a barbecue with the prince and a few select all blacks (and the requisite media) just to show what a great kiwi host he is (I’ve heard they are already scripting his small talk).
Hone is expected to get the boot within the next couple of weeks. It seems Tariana and Pita have been quietly running the numbers to send him on his way and have finally got their ducks lined up. They’re also rumoured to be using the Nat’s PR team to smooth the way. I’ll be interested to see if he stands in the forces a by-election.
David Farrar is largely to blame for the Nats running Melissa Lee in Mt Albert. According to a friend of a friend David decided the demographics meant she could win and convinced the caucus his crazy idea would fly. Note to DPF: learn to count.
Phil Goff is planning to make the key theme of his first 2010 speech “personal responsibility”. If this rumour’s true I expect there will be more “nationhood” style ructions in the party.
Paula Bennett leaked the Harris’ benefit details to Colin Espiner. Despite OIAs into Bennett’s own benefit history being declined due to the privacy act. Note to Paula: at some stage someone else will be minister of social welfare. I hope you’re happy with them quietly leaking the details of your time as a bennie.
Anyway, I’m off to celebrate the birth of the baby jesus with some particularly nice single malt and won’t be posting again until the new year. Have a merry xmas and a happy new year.
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