So, Winston has definitively ruled out working with Chris Hipkins.

Not Labour, but Hipkins. 

He had of course already pretty much done this earlier in the year after his State of Nation address, in which called the Labour leadership a bunch of liars and unreformed losers. 

But this is crystal clear now. He’s spoken to Thomas Coughlin at the Herald - it’s a firm no, thank you.

This is interesting for two reasons.

1) Winston is a political wizard and knows how to read the room and play the game. This is not a random outburst. This is a calculated decision based on the path he thinks will get New Zealand First back to the Treasury benches.

By virtue of ruling out Hipkins, assuming he doesn’t get rolled and replaced, Winston has reduced his bargaining power.

Which is not an outcome a kingmaker takes lightly. 

The key to his success on the campaign trail has always been as much about what he stands against as what he stands for - immigration and Treaty issues spring to mind.

He’s decided that in 2026, the punching bag will be a three-headed clown show marriage of the Greens, Labour, and Te Pati Māori.

He’s read the room and picked his side. 

In 2023, Winston ruled out Labour before Chippy definitively ruled Winston out. He has yet to do the same for 2026. 

He’s now missed his chance, and any moral high found that went with it.

Remember, Hipkins must appeal to a base that despises the anti-woke agenda Winston peddles.

This year alone he’s labelled him a pale version of Donald Trump, a conspiracy theorist, and spokesman for the tobacco lobby.

Hipkins’ failure to rule out working with him undermines the high horse he canters around the Parliament.

His protestations were sounding a bit hollow.

The question for Hipkins this morning: are you willing to rule out working in Winston given he's already done the same to you?

Or is there a wee small hope in your head that he might just change his mind and under MMP, an open door is is worth walking through, even if it leads you to the across to the dark side?

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