Ardern backs Mallard as next Speaker

Trevor Mallard is on the verge of achieving one of the most remarkable transformations in recent political history.

When Parliament resumes on November 7, the 120 MPs will elect the Speaker of the House and Mallard, who first entered Parliament in 1984, is confident it will be him.

The former Hutt South MP has spoken to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and has her support.

‘‘I have the backing of the PM and that is definitely an advantage.’’

If he does secure the job, it will be a significant achievement for an MP who, in early July, was facing unemployment.

With Labour struggling under the leadership of Andrew Little, his position on the party list meant he had no chance of being elected. ‘‘I needed 32 per cent (to get into Parliament on the party list). When we were on 24 per cent, I think that would have given us one list MP.’’

He admits thinking about packing his bags and looking for a new job.

That is all behind him now, as is, he hopes, his reputation as a hardman who once famously got into a punch up with former MP Tau Henare.

Over the past three years, as Deputy Speaker, he has worked hard to show he is ready for the job.

‘‘Most people would think I made the transformation from player to assistant referee quite well.’’