NZ Greens eye Deputy PM role if left bloc wins

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 20:20 · Archive

New Zealand's Greens are polling at record highs ahead of the November 7 election. The final TVNZ poll showed the party at 16 per cent, which would deliver roughly 20 MPs in the next parliament. Should the left bloc take power with Labour, the strong polling has given the Greens confidence to discuss ambitious roles in government.

Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick, 32, has been a focus of campaign debate, particularly around whether she might take the finance portfolio. The governing National party has run negative advertisements on the prospect, whilst Labour has repeatedly ruled it out. Swarbrick told Radio NZ she was 'effectively being cyberbullied by the most powerful people in the country' but has confirmed she still wants the position.

In an interview with AAP, Swarbrick said she was eyeing even higher office. 'To be completely honest, the likes of deputy prime minister factors in to what it is that we're considering,' she said, adding that it was 'not just for the baubles of office' but about achieving policy goals. Key ministerial roles are usually negotiated after an election during coalition talks, with parties receiving ministries proportional to the number of MPs they bring to a coalition.

How it is being reported

• Swarbrick eyeing Deputy PM for high-flying NZ GreensThe Greens are polling at record highs and unafraid to talk up their policy ambition should the left bloc win the New Zealand election on November 7.Perth Now · 3 Nov, 20:02
• Swarbrick eyeing Deputy PM for high-flying NZ GreensThe Greens are polling at record highs and unafraid to talk up their policy ambition should the left bloc win the New Zealand election on November 7.The West Australian · 3 Nov, 20:02

In this story: Chloe Swarbrick · New Zealand Greens · Labour · National · New Zealand · Auckland

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