Labor leader Michael Daley on campaign mode as he prepares for election battle

Newly-minted state Labor leader Michael Daley is seeking advice from his “hero” Paul Keating as he tries to steer the party to victory, just months out from the election. Mr Daley will flick the switch to almost “campaign mode” approach this week, with little time to establish himself.

• Daley voted in as new Labor leader
• Sam Dastyari: ‘Daley is a smart operator’

Newly-minted state Labor leader Michael Daley is seeking advice from his “hero” Paul Keating as he tries to steer the party to victory, just months out from the election.

Mr Daley will flick the switch to almost “campaign mode” approach this week, with little time to establish himself with the public.

Former Labor prime minister­ Mr Keating phoned Mr Daley yesterday, urging him to maintain a strong “pace”. The pair plan to meet in coming weeks.

Mr Daley told The Daily Telegraph that Mr Keating was his “hero” who inspired him to get into politics.

Labor leader Michael Daley will meet with Paul Keating in the coming weeks for advice. Picture: Jenny Evans

Scott Morrison with former prime minister Paul Keating. Picture: Gary Ramage

MORE NEWS

Arrest made over strawberry sabotage

MP admits losing licence for number of driving offences

Crackdown on alternative medicine practitioners amid fears

“His ability to look at the potential of big ideas that can have a big impact and help the little man is inspiring for me,” Mr Daley said.

“But he was always a Bankstown boy and never forgot where he came from. He was bold and I intend to be bold.”

A senior Labor source close to former leader Luke Foley — who Mr Keating has also quietly mentored in the past — said it looked very much like he would not turn up in parliament this week, and that his staff packed up his office for him.

Daley with Keating in 2003 at a fundraising event. Picture: Supplied

Mr Daley yesterday batted off links to old Labor, as the government tries to target him with attack ads focusing on his links to the Eddie Obeid era.

“That was a bad government and I came out of that government untainted,” he said.

“I’ve been in public­ life for 10 years, I’ve never had an allegation of impropriety ever levelled at me and I won’t.”

Mr Daley also vowed to seek an update from Labor head office over the distribution of $250,000 in “blood money” donations­ from convicted murderer Ron Medich.

“Last time I was assured the process for seeking expressions of interest for where that money would be dished out to was well underway,” he said.

It is understood Mr Daley does not want to make any dramatic shadow cabinet changes, however some tinkering will be required.

Dlaey will be asking for an update on the distribution of “blood money” from convicted murderer Ron Medich. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The Left will have the chance to elevate someone to replace Mr Foley, with upper house MP John Graham a favourite.

Mr Daley said he was willing to take risks. “I’m going to be bold as an Opposition Leader,” he said.

“If I make mistakes I’ll own up to it. I’ll be honest and we’ll fix it.

Mr Daley has wasted no time, hitting the hustings in Parramatta yesterday to meet with voters ahead of his first question time as Opposition Leader tomorrow.

Former premier Bob Carr is also a strong mentor of Mr Daley’s.