8 Sep 2013

Jones' supporters may help Cunliffe

7:22 am on 8 September 2013

Labour list MP Shane Jones says some of his supporters are giving their second preference vote to New Lynn MP David Cunliffe in the leadership contest.

They and Grant Robertson are vying to replace David Shearer as party leader.

It's a preferential voting system, which means MPs, party members and affiliated unions have to rank the candidates when they vote.

Second preferences will be important if it is a close race and Mr Jones said some of his supporters have told him Mr Cunliffe is their second choice.

Mr Jones said he is beggared if he can see how Mr Robertson can recover the distance he has to travel to win.

The result will be announced on Sunday, 15 September.