Labour MPs expected to elect Goff as party leader

Labour's caucus is today expected to elect Phil Goff to take over the leadership of the party from Helen Clark.

The senior cabinet minister who first came to Parliament in 1981 -- the same year as Miss Clark -- is the clear favourite and could be elected unopposed.

Mr Goff has not confirmed he is standing but he has said he will support any decision taken by the party's 43 MPs.

David Cunliffe, who could have challenged him, has ruled out standing for the leadership and no other contender has emerged.

Miss Clark announced she was standing down after Saturday night's election result.

So did her deputy, Michael Cullen, and the caucus has to replace him as well.

Annette King, another senior cabinet minister who first came to Parliament in 1984, is likely to be chosen as deputy leader but she could face challenges from Mr Cunliffe and Maryan Street.

source:nzpa