Goff: Collins planning her move

Written By: - Date published: 9:53 am, September 28th, 2015 - 75 comments
Categories: Judith Collins, leadership, national, phil goff, uncategorized - Tags: ,

Judith Collins probably felt pretty pleased with her Sunday opinion piece:

Judith Collins: Centre voters just the core, the action is on the fringes

Thanks to Jeremy Corbyn’s staggering rise to the top of the ranks in the British Labour Party, all I am hearing from pundits, commentators and ‘political strategists’ these days is that elections are won and lost in the centre. If they keep on saying it, it must be true, right?

Pah. What rubbish. Elections are never won or lost in the centre. Yes, the vast number of voters are in the centre but they won’t bother to change their vote (much less get out to vote) unless they actually have something to vote for. Mobilising the centre to move to the left or to the right, is what wins elections. If you want to stay in power, then the centre is what keeps you there. …

It goes on in much the same vein, with a focus on Jeremy Corbyn. But when it came to Phil Goff’s reply, Collins probably got a lot more than she expected:

Phil Goff responds

Judith’s column this week is the opening shot in her campaign to succeed John Key as National’s leader.

Her unlikely praise for Jeremy Corbyn being “a breath of fresh air” and fearless in expressing an opinion is about positioning herself to replace Key.

It’s a not-so-subtle attack on the well-known fact that John Key is not driven by strong values but rather the results of weekly polling and focus groups. Judith is inviting you to contrast Key’s soft positions with her post-demotion outspokenness on issues. …

Insightful analysis from Goff. Wonder if Collins is going to leave her run too late?

75 comments on “Goff: Collins planning her move ”

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  1. BM 1
    28 September 2015 at 10:19 am

    More chance of Robertson knifing Little than there is of Collins doing a number on Key.

    It’s a not-so-subtle attack on the well-known fact that John Key is not driven by strong values but rather the results of weekly polling and focus groups

    Seriously, what the fuck is it with you lefties and the need to have some all powerful dictator who decides what’s right for every one.

    I for one am glad we’ve got a PM who keeps an ear to the ground and stays informed about what the voters and population are thinking and then acts accordingly.

    Christ, no wonder Labour can’t get elected.

    • infused 1.1
      28 September 2015 at 10:20 am

      Wouldn’t worry too much. Labour are done for. Little is fucking hopeless.

      • BM 1.1.1
        28 September 2015 at 10:26 am

        I agree about Little, he’s got about as much appeal as a dirty nappy for dinner.

        • Sabine 1.1.1.1
          28 September 2015 at 10:52 am

          Why are you so bothered by what is the Labour Party and Andrew Little as the Head of the Labour Party?

          considering that you would not vote for them, why not just focus on your party?

          • Enough is Enough 1.1.1.1.1
            28 September 2015 at 11:59 am

            Probably the same reason that r0b has an interest in the leader of the National Party

            • Sabine 1.1.1.1.1.1
              28 September 2015 at 1:18 pm

              well the leader of the National Party is the “leader” of this country, so as citizens we might have an interest in the Leader of the National Party.

              But Mr. Little is the Leader of the ineffectual and useless, and out of touch and insert what ever else the Labour Party is, and is not wielding any power at the moment, nor writing any legislation, nor pushing through any policies etc etc.

              So why the outcry of wanting a new Labour Leader.

              Personally I think Dear Leader, his most exalted self should stay Leader of the National Party for many many more years to come, with a serving of freshly washed ponytails every day to keep him happy.

              • dukeofurl …
                28 September 2015 at 2:03 pm

                careful what you ask for , next youll be saying down the track, how did he turn into Mugabe?

              • savenz …
                28 September 2015 at 9:30 pm

                Can the crusher crush Key?

                They are both so driven by money and power and devoid of morals, it is hard to know which one is worse.

        • Bearded Git 1.1.1.2
          28 September 2015 at 1:44 pm

          @BM You must be worried. 25% a year ago, 33% now, 37% in a year’s time…with the Greens that’s 50%………My guess Key resigns in Sept 16.

        • North 1.1.1.3
          28 September 2015 at 8:25 pm

          Bugger ! Thought I’d have a quick squizz at The Standard before dinner……what do I get ? BM (acronym for……) talking “dirty nappy”. “Glad-Wrap that Beef Wellington dear, I’ll have it for lunch……”

        • les 1.1.1.4
          28 September 2015 at 9:17 pm

          is that a shit eating grin in your avatar…Brian?

      • scotty 1.1.2
        28 September 2015 at 10:27 am

        Is that your daily affirmation Infused?

        Do you recite it just the once – or is it on permanent loop?

        • infused 1.1.2.1
          28 September 2015 at 11:53 am

          Pretty sure everyone knows it. No need to repeat it. His performance last week in the house was pretty dismal to say the least.

          Before that I really hadn’t commented on him much.

    • tracey 1.2
      28 September 2015 at 10:25 am

      ROFLMAO @ “Seriously, what the fuck is it with you lefties and the need to have some all powerful dictator who decides what’s right for every one.”

      yeah cos When a Labour leader “changes their mind” you squeal about how weak and wobbly they are, but when John “where are my clothes” Key does it, you swoon like a victorian lady.

      • BM 1.2.1
        28 September 2015 at 10:33 am

        Nonsense, I’d prefer a leader who adapts and changes to situations as they evolve.

        Last thing you want is some ego- driven, tunnel visioned numpty who can’t admit they’ve made a mistake and ends up getting every one slaughtered.

        That type of thinking finished after WW1.

        • tracey 1.2.1.1
          28 September 2015 at 10:37 am

          Keep it coming BM, you are hilarious this morning.

          The funniest thing about what you have written is that I bet you cannot find 10 instances where Key has publicly admitted he made a “mistake”.

          • dukeofurl 1.2.1.1.1
            28 September 2015 at 2:07 pm

            Its too funny. “As situations evolve”- that must be the interest rates, housing prices, unemployment, the usual things that interest busy people like a PM.

            But no its a flag that isn’t part of a fern leaf.
            There was supposed to be a meeting with farmers last week, and Key spouted on about ‘the flag’

        • Enough 1.2.1.2
          28 September 2015 at 10:38 am

          “Last thing you want is some ego- driven, tunnel visioned numpty who can’t admit they’ve made a mistake….”
          Couldn’t phrase a more apt description of Key if I tried.
          Really, mate, take a break. You’re becoming ever more ridiculous.

          • tracey 1.2.1.2.1
            28 September 2015 at 11:58 am

            snap!

          • Akldnut 1.2.1.2.2
            28 September 2015 at 1:33 pm

            “Last thing you want is some ego- driven, tunnel visioned numpty who can’t admit they’ve made a mistake….”

            Bahaha “Fucking A” BM you nailed it! But you better watch out bro, the PM’s office will have you tossed out of the party – you’ll have to join Colon’s Crew but you’ll be saying the same thing there too.

          • marty mars 1.2.1.2.3
            28 September 2015 at 5:42 pm

            “Last thing you want is some ego- driven, tunnel visioned numpty who can’t admit they’ve made a mistake….”

            lol a BM own goal – loving it

        • ankerawshark 1.2.1.3
          28 September 2015 at 10:52 am

          Umm….BM at 1 “I for one am glad we’ve got a PM who keeps an ear to the ground ……about what voters are thinking and acts accordingly”.

          Do you mean like with Assets sales? Or maybe you were meaning re changing the flag, where the polls show a clear majority don’t want to change it

        • maui 1.2.1.4
          28 September 2015 at 10:52 am

          In other words a leader who doesn’t know what they should do, has no vision and is generally clueless. Probably someone who shouldn’t be in a leadership role. im sure lots of successful businesses are run by these non-leaders.

          • Sabine 1.2.1.4.1
            28 September 2015 at 11:01 am

            You should not say that, Dear Leader is very clear what he likes and knows.
            He likes pulling the ponytails of young waitresses, he likes fondling the hair of very young girls, he likes pandas and that All Black Captain (he likes him a lot!!), he likes his wife under a burka, he likes his sons girlfriend, he likes money, and beer, and rugby, and the silver fern, he likes Hawaii so much he is there every five minutes.

            However he does not seem to like a sovereign New Zealand, that is economically doing well, with a well educated populace, with all the kids being fed, with a green economy that will provide future jobs, he does not like asset sales referendum, but he likes tea towel referendums, he does not like affordable houses for all of the citizens of NZ, he does not like building new houses, he does not like to invest in public transport infrastructure, he does not like rebuilding christchurch, he does not like keeping the Farmers on their lands and out of usurious debt.

            I mean, i might be forgetting things that he does not like, but one could say he has a vision, or fetishes, or something.

            But at least, dear Leader is not the Labour Parties Leader, and he is not Andrew Little, and that makes Dear Leader so awesome, and handsome, and spiffy, and …………..oh dear, i feel like i have to clutch my pearls now.

        • Ant 1.2.1.5
          28 September 2015 at 11:08 am

          “Nonsense, I’d prefer a leader who adapts and changes to situations as they evolve” Great definition of a FOLLOWER. Leaders forge situations and implement changes.

        • leftie 1.2.1.6
          28 September 2015 at 12:02 pm

          ” ego- driven, tunnel visioned numpty who can’t admit they’ve made a mistake and ends up getting every one slaughtered.”

          But BM, that’s exactly what you got with John key.

      • North 1.2.2
        28 September 2015 at 8:36 pm

        Tracey……hope you’re running classes in “Swoon Like A Victorian Lady” ! Luv it ! Fabulous concept !

    • ankerawshark 1.3
      28 September 2015 at 10:51 am

      Umm….BM at 1 “I for one am glad we’ve got a PM who keeps an ear to the ground ……about what voters are thinking and acts accordingly”.

      Do you mean like with Assets sales? Or maybe you were meaning re changing the flag, where the polls show a clear majority don’t want to change it

    • leftie 1.4
      28 September 2015 at 12:04 pm

      Worried much? Goff seriously rattled your cage didn’t he BM?

  2. Citizen's Resistance 2
    28 September 2015 at 10:41 am

    I doubt very much John Key will contest the next election given his falling popularity. Upton appears the best female contender.

    • shorts 2.1
      28 September 2015 at 11:49 am

      I have feeling he might have to, even if he is over it all (as it seems) – there is no contender with anything close to the same appeal as Key… and the entire party has been focused around one single entity Key – to change that in any manner the public rallies around is, I think, more than Joyce could ever achieve… let alone the factions so ready to do battle in the party

      If labour can get its shit together they could easily take the next election, that too may be asking too much

      • tracey 2.1.1
        28 September 2015 at 11:56 am

        Well, it will be an opportunity to see if the machine is the reason or the man is the reason…

        I believe Key has been largely constructed, he has learned and been taught/trained. Of course he is able, and intelligent, which helps. You only have to study his off the cuff comments versus the 24 hours+ comments.

        I’m not sure of the basis for belief that Louise Upston is the next cab off the rank ahead of Bennett. Interestingly no one speaks of Bridges as any kind of contender these days….

        “Hon Louise Upston
        MP for Taupo

        In the National-led Government, Taupo MP Louise Upston is Minister for Land Information, Minister for Women, Associate Minister of Local Government, and Associate Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.”

        She is however in contact with Joyce as Associate Minister of TE… learning the dark arts perhaps?

    • Lanthanide 2.2
      28 September 2015 at 11:57 am

      Louise Upton is very capable, but clearly Paula Benefit has been groomed as his replacement?

      • dukeofurl 2.2.1
        28 September 2015 at 2:11 pm

        gee , you have sucked in all the spin over ‘our Paula’ and turned it into a sandcastle on the beach.

        remember the spin about the ‘westie darling’ Paula- tiger skins and all- all washed away .

        Its all Crosby positioning with an eye on the women demographic- for now

        • Sabine 2.2.1.1
          28 September 2015 at 4:08 pm

          in that case whoever taht Crosby is, should stay away from Pullyer. I have yet to meet a women who can stand that women.

      • Citizen's Resistance 2.2.2
        28 September 2015 at 4:52 pm

        Bennett is not popular with the female voters, too much baggage. Nats need a major lift in female votes. They would be wise to review their stance of 26 paid parental leave. Upston will front and soften their position. English was foolish in his bravado stand, alienating the women’s vote is a recipe for disaster, I’m sure Crosby Textor will advise accordingly. Watch this space on this, options are limited.

    • infused 2.3
      28 September 2015 at 11:59 am

      He will make it through, once done, retire.

    • tracey 2.4
      28 September 2015 at 12:02 pm

      It’s Upston

    • North 2.5
      28 September 2015 at 8:37 pm

      Upstart ?

  3. Adrian 3
    28 September 2015 at 11:59 am

    A couple of mates who happen to be Nat voters ( but who have voted Labour in the past ) asked me why I preferred my choice , Cunliffe at the time, over Key, my reply fucked them, I said ” You’ve worked for arseholes and I bet the worst arseholes were the ones who never took any responsibility and blamed everyone else including probably you. And you didn’t work for them for long”.

  4. ankerawshark 4
    28 September 2015 at 12:19 pm

    Adrian 100+

  5. Puckish Rogue 5
    28 September 2015 at 12:52 pm

    Nice attempt, full marks for trying 🙂

  6. Gabby 6
    28 September 2015 at 1:35 pm

    I’d like to know who approached whom for the interview with the Eyebrows of Satan on Morning Report today. It had a whiff of patsy about it.

    • Puddleglum 6.1
      28 September 2015 at 5:23 pm

      My thoughts as well.

      When Collins suddenly popped up because ‘she had something to say’ about the Chris Brown visa issue my eyebrows did a good impression of her own.

      And then when she used a voice so measured and calm – in an eerily Jenny Shipley kind of way – I thought the ‘run’ was beginning in earnest.

  7. Chooky 7
    28 September 2015 at 2:18 pm

    I have to say I prefer Collins over jonkey…although I dont particularly trust her…I trust him even less

    So GO JUDITH COLLINS

  8. Mrs Brillo 8
    28 September 2015 at 2:47 pm

    It’s bewildering, isn’t it?

    If polling the public tells the PM where to go on every detail,
    If the polls are a substitute for policy,
    If we can change direction on a dime according to what the polls dictate,

    WHY DO WE NEED A LEADER?

    Why, indeed, do we need a Parliament?

    All we need is a pollster attached to a Sorting Hat directing tasks towards various government departments. Local government will take care of any overflow.

    What a savings we could make.

    • Tracey 8.1
      28 September 2015 at 5:16 pm

      yes. its the flaw in BMs notion that by following polling one is a great leader

      • North 8.1.1
        28 September 2015 at 8:40 pm

        But the dork doesn’t follow polling……what poll told him to fuck round with a person’s hair……apart from his own ?

  9. repateet 9
    28 September 2015 at 3:33 pm

    Hopefully someone has garnered all of the footage of Collins’ lying and prevaricating in the various issues she has been involved in to churn out when she becomes leader.

  10. mpledger 10
    28 September 2015 at 4:21 pm

    Collins should have gone sooner – too much is going to depend on what happens in the RWC. Key will hold on if the All Blacks win the RWC – everyone will be content – if the ABs lose, especially if they blunder badly, then it’ll be all on as people will have some bad feeling to work off.

    • Phil 10.1
      28 September 2015 at 5:16 pm

      That’s hilarious. The world cup final is on 31 October 2015, a full TWO YEARS away from the last possible date of the next general election; 18 November 2017.

  11. Matthew Hooton 11
    28 September 2015 at 4:36 pm

    “when it came to Phil Goff’s reply, Collins probably got a lot more than she expected”

    I reckon she got exactly what she expected (and hoped for) from Goff.

    • Tracey 11.1
      28 September 2015 at 5:17 pm

      cos she is so clever… not clever enough to understand conflict of interest or cabinet manual rules… so hardly a ringing endorsement.

      • McFlock 11.1.1
        28 September 2015 at 5:56 pm

        That’s the problem with Collins – she’s either obstinate incompetence masquerading as bravery, or barefaced tory corruption personified.

        Either way hurts the nation.

        • North 11.1.1.1
          28 September 2015 at 8:42 pm

          She never was very competent. Ask any Auckland lawyer back in the day. No great shakes at all. Full of herself yes but no great shakes. Took the ‘Law Society route’ if you know what I mean. It’s aggrandised many snobs and fuckwits of modest talent…….

  12. Mike the Savage One 12
    28 September 2015 at 4:42 pm

    Judith Collins will never appeal to the younger voters, hence the focus of her and other vested interest parties is on marginalising any potential opposition and endlessly go on about the supposed “centre”, being the well situated, property owning middle class in above all Auckland, who though only make up 50 percent of potential voters.

    The left will be well advised to connect with the many that do not belong to that class of people and start a movement of revolutionary capacity to change things. One Mr Hooton above is just perpetuating the stuff that he and his preferred parties want people to believe. Believe him not, I suggest.

    • marty mars 12.1
      28 September 2015 at 5:50 pm

      + 1 Good comment. Anyone who trusts or believes our resident dirty spinner is a right fool.

      As for collins – promoted above her ability, her liability is that she thinks she isn’t.

  13. les 13
    28 September 2015 at 9:24 pm

    Judith Collins didn’t come to Parliament to eat her lunch’ apparantly….her subtle campaign to cut Keys lunch has no chance of success…sorry about that ‘canvass kissing Cam’!

  14. Observer (Tokoroa) 14
    28 September 2015 at 11:36 pm

    John Key will have to vacate his role as PM. The world wide publicity of his fixation with little girls hair and his creepy pleasure when tugging it, has made him a wholesale laughing stock.

    As a result he can never stand tall. New Zealand does not need a self made freaky dwarf as Prime Minister.

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