Zed Seselja is very excited by mutterings and differences from the Labor party over the future of the new party secretary, Bill Redpath.
- “It was reported in today’s Canberra Times that Mr Redpath had lost the support of the party including his own left faction,” Zed said.
“The Chief Minister and the right factional Minister, Andrew Barr, where asked about the resignation of Bill Redpath, this morning on radio. Their answers differed widely, clearly demonstrating the rifts that have formed between the left and the right of the Labor party.
“The Chief Minister was robust about Mr Repatch not receiving loyalty from the party;
‘I think Bill hasn’t received, perhaps the support and loyalty he would have expected. Having been supported into the position just six months ago on the expectation his appointment would be for 18 months. He has chosen, and I think, he’s reasons are around supporting the party first, putting the Labor party first, which we would like to think all members of the Labor party would do all the time’ (ABC News 9am, 2/7/09).
“Andrew Barr was asked repeatedly the same question, about whether Mr Redpath had his support and repeatedly he refused to express his support;
‘I am not commenting on internal party matters, I’ll refer you to the party president it you would like any further comments about the Labor party’ (ABC 666 8.45am 2/7/09).
“Andrew Barr’s lack of support for the Secretary, which is at odds with his leader, highlights the serious rift in the ALP Caucus over the leadership handover.
It’s handy that Zed’s keeping track of all this stuff for us.
UPDATE: The ABC reports that Bill has resigned. Perhaps too nice a guy for the rough and tumble of politics.