24 Jun 2014

Labour confident of strong party list

10:50 am on 24 June 2014

The Labour leader, David Cunliffe says his party hopes to get at least 34 percent of the party vote and six new MPs into Parliament in the election.

David Cunliffe.

David Cunliffe. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski

The Party released its list on Monday afternoon, a day later than planned.

Fourteen of the top 30 on the list are women, in line with the party's commitment to make at least 45 percent of its caucus female and get a greater gender balance in Parliament. Nanaia Mahuta and Jacinda Ardern have been promoted into the top 10.

Sitting MPs Chris Hipkins and Phil Twyford are the two biggest movers: Mr Twyford has jumped from 33rd in 2011 to seventh this year, while Mr Hipkins from 30th to ninth.

David Parker, Grant Robertson, David Shearer, Iain Lees-Galloway and Kelvin Davis also move up the list.

Labour leader David Cunliffe said he is very proud of the list and remains confident of a higher vote in September's election.

"If we get 34 percent, which is, I think easily attainable, then we would have another half dozen MPs who are incredibly talented."

In the last election, Labour won just over 27 percent of the vote.

Quality not compromised

Labour Party President Moira Coatsworth said the party has not compromised the quality of its list candidates in an effort to meet its gender quota.

She said electorate candidates like Stuart Nash and Trevor Mallard have not gone off the list just to make room for women.

Moira Coatsworth said it's up to candidates to choose whether they go on the list or not.