It was early this week, after her Mt Albert by-election win, when Jacinda Ardern dismissed talk of her replacing Annette King as deputy leader as "distraction".
Jacinda Ardern and Andrew Little speak with media about Little nominating Ardern as Deputy Leader. Wednesday 01 March 2017 Photo: RNZ / Brad White
Well that changed yesterday with Ms King's announcement she is leaving politics.
She said she would back Ms Ardern to replace her and Mr Little agreed, meaning her elevation is all but assured.
Morning Report's Susie Ferguson hosts a panel discussion with
- The director of campaigns at youth advocacy group ActionStation Laura O'Connell Rapira,
- Public relations consultant and former National Government press secretary Ben Thomas,
- and on the political commentator Chris Trotter.
