Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins wouldn’t need to fight hard to retain his job as leader if he chose to stay on according to political experts. 

The Labour Party met in Parliament on Tuesday morning to reassess the election result, Hipkins told the media there was a demonstration of team spirit and collective purpose amongst the elected officials.  

He remained coy on whether or not he would remain as the party’s leader. 

“I indicated on Saturday I wouldn’t rush any decisions and I don’t expect caucus to rush any decisions either,” he told the media on Tuesday afternoon. 

Hipkins then told Mike Hosking Breakfast the following morning he will be able to give a clearer answer on his future as the party’s leader in “the next couple of weeks”.  

The Labour Party is required, as per its constitution, to vote on the party’s leadership within three months of the general election.

Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls said there was no vote during yesterday’s meeting.  

But while the question marks still hover, Walls believes Hipkins would have the backing of enough power players within the party to retain the title if he chooses to stay.  

“My understanding is Labour looked back and saw the revolving door period of leadership with the Andrew Little period and how bad it was for the caucus,” said Walls. 

“And Hipkins isn’t bad at what he does...he won’t have to work hard to lobby.” 

Walls said the party doesn’t have a big mood for change at this point in transition and those wanting a shuffle likely wouldn’t be able to make an impact.  

“There could be a couple of disgruntled members but [Labour] lost so many members, they might be out of caucus altogether,” he said.  

“So, it sounds brutal, but who cares what they think? Because it’s only up to the 34 or so in the room to make the decision.” 

Hipkins spoke to Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning and quashed any suggestions his mind was made up to retain the title as party leader.  

He said the party, along with himself needed more time to reflect on Saturday’s result.  

“Now isn’t the time to make the call,” said Hipkins.  

“We need to give people time and space to digest the result, we have three things to do – to be a better opposition Government than the last six years...to listen and reflect on why so many who voted for us in 2020 didn’t in 2023...and then decide what the next three years looks like.” 

Hipkins said he’s been a loyal member of the team and plans to continue that commitment to his party. 

“I still have some fight left in me and I want to contribute to building the party, we just need to give people more time to reflect.”