Labour MP Phil Twyford has been given a leading role in the party's election campaign next year.

Twyford has been made Labour's campaign chairman, which puts him charge of strategy for the 2017 election.

The Te Atatu MP was given the role because of his seniority in the caucus, his experience in on-the-ground campaigning and his strong performance in Parliament, especially in the housing portfolio.

He will also chair Labour's campaign in a likely Mt Roskill by-election, which will be triggered if Labour's Mt Roskill MP Phil Goff wins the Auckland Mayoralty.

Labour's general secretary Andrew Kirton has been given the job of campaign manager, a role previously held by UMR pollster David Talbot.

Kirton has only been with the party since April but has impressed in that time.

A former adviser to Helen Clark, he worked in corporate public relations in London before becoming Labour's general secretary.

Labour Party president Nigel Haworth said the two men possessed the skills to run a strong campaign.

"We're focussed on electing a forward looking Labour government led by Andrew Little in 2017 which works to create a better future for all Kiwis, from Southland to Northland, East Coast to West," he said.

- NZ Herald