New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, 1951

Background

Labour leader Peter Fraser had led the party since 1940. He led New Zealand through the majority of World War II and retained power in the 1943 and 1946 elections. An ailing Fraser was unable to win the 1949 election and Labour lost power after 14 years in office. Just one year later he died, leading to the position of party leader to become vacant.

Walter Nash

Nash had served as a Member of Parliament since 1929. Most saw Nash, Fraser's deputy, as the most logical, or even inevitable, successor as leader.

Clarence Skinner

Clarence Skinner was seen by many as Labour's rising star. However, despite speculation that he may seek leadership, but was dismissed as mere media gossip. Skinner ruled himself out in favour of Nash, which was then seconded by Angus McLagan.

Arnold Nordmeyer

Arnold Nordmeyer was also seen as a contender for future leadership, but lost his seat in Parliament in 1949. When Fraser died in December 1950 Nordmeyer was selected to stand for Labour in the by-election for Fraser's seat. The date set by caucus for the leadership election was scheduled before Nordmeyer could re-enter Parliament. The haste taken was an indication that Nordmeyer was considered a threat to Nash and his supporters. According to Warren Freer Nash as acting leader brought the selection forward to 17 January, causing quite an argument in caucus, although caucus eventually voted by a majority of two to proceed with the early vote.

Result

As Nash was the only officially nominated candidate, he was elected universally as leader. Clarence Skinner was then elected as Nash's Deputy-leader. The vote for the deputy position was Skinner twenty-two, Terry McCombs seven and Fred Hackett two.

Aftermath

Nash would remain the Labour Party's leader until his retirement in early 1963. He led them to successive election losses in 1951 and 1954, though led them successfully in 1957.