Labour's new leader is David Shearer, and the new Deputy is Grant Robertson.
Congratulations to both is the first word. As I've said in my two previous posts, they are facing a very big job to take Labour to a win in 2014.
It isn't only up to them: it is also up to every other member of the Labour Party now to get in behind the new team.
The combo is an exciting one, and the fact that two people who weren't MPs when we left government in 2008 shows how determined Labour is to change and reconnect with the country.
I've been at three of the members' meetings and while all the candidates were impressive, the thing that Shearer did was learn, fast, on the job. Nobody should underestimate this man. While his back story is awesome, that's not the point: the point is it's HIS back story, and he made the choices and the decisions that grew it.
As he warms up into the role I am looking forward to seeing how the perceptions of our party and our movement change. David starts afresh for us. He will need to bind together the caucus and the party and use those talents he has to get people to see us all afresh together. A big responsibility -- but I am confident he's up to it.
To the deputy: I always wanted to see Grant in the 2IC role because of his massive organising ability, political smarts and ability to relate to everyone. He will do a great job. He'll be the perfect foil for David and I'm looking forward to working with him and with both of them.
Those who didn't get elected: David and Nanaia have formidable things to give the Labour movement yet, and are part of the mix of talents we need to win in 2014. When the choice goes against you and the jobs you want are not the ones you have, it stings. But I am confident that both will play a part of what comes next, as equally confident as I am that had David and Grant not got the jobs they have, they would have done the same.
Now to the reshuffle!
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