In Focus - Labour Party leader Andrew Little has defended a deal the Greens in the Mt Roskill by-election, saying it's completely different to that done by National in Epsom last election.
The Green Party won't be fielding a candidate in the by-election for the seat being vacated by veteran Labour MP Phil Goff, who has won the Auckland mayoralty, because it wants to prevent a split vote possibly allowing National to win the seat.
Mr Little told Kim Hill on Morning Report the reason why National did a deal with ACT for Epsom was to prop up that government. "This is a completely different kettle of fish, this is about Mt Roskill - we've held the seat for some considerable time."
Labour will test a new policy on law and order when it campaigns for the by-election, Mr Little said, and hinted the policy announcement he would make this week would include increased police numbers.