It is understood Jackson had met with Labour leader Andrew Little and believes he will secure a high list ranking to secure his return to Parliament. Photo: Michael CraigWillie Jackson has dumped the Maori Party and is set to announce he is standing for Labour instead. It is expected to be announced by Mr Jackson at Waitangi this weekend - where the Maori Party and Mana are also expected to announce the final outcome of their arrangement in the Maori seats. It comes as Labour and the Maori Party prepare to fight it out in the Maori seats. It is a strategic poaching by Labour - the Maori Party had hoped Jackson's profile would help them win back the Auckland-based Tamaki Makaurau electorate which was won by Labour's Peeni Henare in 2014 after nine years as former Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples' seat.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2017 20:53 UTC