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McCarten Named New Labour Chief Of Staff
David Cunliffe: Matt McCarten New Labour Chief of Staff
David Cunliffe's press standup – 26 February 2014
By Jamie Neikrie
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Matt McCarten has been named the new Labor Party Chief of Staff.
Mr McCarten has previously been in charge of
the Unite Union, was the Alliance Party president and stood
for the Mana Party in a 2010 by-election.
Labour
Leader David Cunliffe also announced former Labour
researcher Dave Talbot as the party's general election
campaign manager.
Mr Cunliffe said Mr McCarten is,
“One of the country’s best political strategists,” and
indicated that Mr McCarten’s appointment would aid
Labor’s chances in the upcoming election.
McCarten
replaces Wendy Brandon, who resigned earlier this month for
health reasons after only holding the position for five
months. In doing so, he becomes the party’s third Chief of
Staff in recent months.
When questioned on his
loyalty to the party, Mr McCarten highlighted his commitment
to progressive ideals. “It’s about values, the movement,
and the people,” he said.
Mr McCarten was the head
of the Unite union, which represents low-paid workers.
McCarten has battled cancer in recent years.
Mr
McCarten emphasized that the disease was behind him and that
he returned to the Labor Party “because I’ve still got
work to do”.
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