Besieged Labor leader Luke Foley vows to be the next NSW Premier

HE has come under attack from his own MPs after his “white flight” gaffe, but not only is Luke Foley adamant he isn’t going anywhere — he’s confident he will be the next Labor Premier.

A REMORSEFUL Luke Foley has vowed to stay on as leader despite unrest in the Labor Party over his “white flight” gaffe.

Angry senior party figures have quietly spoken of their dismay at the comments, with one saying it had undermined the work that had been undertaken to win back voters.

However, the prospective leadership challengers, Labor deputy leader Michael Daley and Strathfield MP Jodi Mc­Kay, have denied they are preparing to move on Mr Foley.

Labor Leader Luke Foley has vowed he isn’t going anywhere despite unrest from his own MPs. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Declaring the Labor Party to be “united”, Mr Foley said he was not worried about being rolled.

“Not at all,” Mr Foley told The Sunday Telegraph.

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“I stand by my big and important point which is that all of our suburbs need the service and infrastructure to cope with the population growth that is ­occ­urring, and they are not getting that at the moment with the Liberals and Nationals.”

Asked whether he would be Labor leader at the March state election next year, Mr Foley replied: “Labor premier come April.”

Labor Deputy leader Michael Daley has denied he wants Mr Foley’s job. Picture: AAP/Damian Shaw

Strathfield MP Jodi McKay has also denied she is gunning for the top job. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

The gaffe, which saw Mr Foley claim an influx of refugees had caused “white flight” from Sydney’s west, forced some candidates to take to ­social media to defend the party after the comment.

Balmain candidate Elly Howse made a public post on Twitter and her Facebook page to declare her acceptance of migrants.

“The Sydney I know and love welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, including refugees seeking safety from war and persecution,” she said.

Ms McKay, who spoke to Mr Foley after his comment, said she accepted that he felt remorseful.

“He misspoke and he apologised,” she said.

“It has been the most difficult week for him as opposition leader, but he has my total support as leader.”

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