Yesterday I had big roundup of the acclaim for Jacinda Ardern as new Labour leader. Suffice it to say that there is plenty more to add to the collection:
The Jacinda effect and why National will be worried
Jacinda Ardern is a ‘game changer’ – commentators
‘Jacinda effect’ galvanises Labour
Labour’s new leader Jacinda Ardern gets a warm welcome from voters
‘Fresh approach is gone’: Jacinda Ardern culls Labour’s campaign slogan as donations fly in
Public reacts to new Labour leader Jacinda Ardern (video vox pop)
Political Roundup: The Jacinda Ardern Effect characterised by ‘relentless positivity’
Audrey Young: Ardern does not need to be Labour’s Joan of Arc
What’s in a name? The coronation of ‘Jacinda’ gives Labour a new brand
My favourite snippet is this anecote form Vernon Small (from “What’s in a name?” linked above):
Barely a day into the job, she headed out on to Parliament’s forecourt to meet some secondary school students. A chorus of “Jacinda, Jacinda” went up from another class waiting to do the Parliament tour. Primary school kids.
In concrete terms there are reports that since Jacinda became leader there have been more than 1000 new volunteers sign up for Labour, and donations totaling more than $250,000 (a fundraising email last night cited $180,000). Wow!
I think it’s fair to say that reaction to Jacinda Ardern has exceeded all expectations. Why? Leadership change this close to an election is supposed to be political suicide. Why was this change different?
Two reasons, the first is Andrew Little. During his time as leader Andrew united the Labour caucus and reorganised the party. He developed some great policy, but never got the cut through in the media that he deserved. When he recognised that Labour was getting crowded out of the election he did the right thing. He resigned voluntarily, and delivered a unanimous vote for his chosen successor. This was no divided party at war with itself (the usual scenario for leadership change), it was a recognition of reality and the most orderly transfer of power you will ever see. Thank you Andrew!
The second reason is of course Jacinda Ardern. She is manifestly willing, ready, and able. The media love, or at least respect her. Her heart is in the right place, she has the right amount of steel, her warmth and charisma is obvious to all. We should all be wary of loading her with impossible expectations (more of that another day perhaps), but she is certainly off to the best of all starts. Go well Jacinda!
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