Winston Peters has revealed he has been offered the role of deputy Prime Minister as part of his negotiations with the Labour Party.
Peters announced shortly before 7pm that he had chosen to form a coalition with Labour – pending agreement from the Green Party.
Tofik Mamedov, who stood as Labour’s candidate in the Botany electorate, said it was “the right decision.”
He said Winston Peters’ campaign slogan of ‘Had Enough?’ had rung true – the public had had enough of National.
Mamedov said even though Peters was tipped to go with Labour, it was still “a big relief” to hear the news.
On Peters being offered Deputy Prime Minister, Mamedov said “I’m sure he’ll do really well.”
“Jacinda did the right thing. I believe he deserves the position…this is probably going to be his last term and why not.”
In a relief to Māori voters, Winston Peters has announced the Māori seats are safe despite the Māori Party falling out of Government.
Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern has spoken to media and says she is waiting to hear from the Green Party before discussing details.
Ardern was not told Peters had chosen Labour before the public found out – she says she “enjoyed the theatre” of the moment.
She says she hopes to finalise all agreements within the next 24 hours but portfolios will not be known until later next week.
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