Unions polling leak against NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay goes too far

The Labor leader came out swinging against union bosses who leaked poll results, but the move left many in her caucus concerned, Anna Caldwell writes.

The unions may have overplayed their hand in their blockbuster-style war with Jodi McKay.

There is little doubt that NSW Labor has a problem and is not on the trajectory to government.

But when Jodi McKay came out swinging against unions leaking polling, there were many in her caucus who did not want voters to believe the unions were calling the shots.

NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

These even included McKay’s opponents, who want a seamless transition that won’t harm the party’s standing – not the bloody leadership knifings of days gone by.

But critically – many remained deeply concerned for the party’s future and believe something must change. Their problem is knowing how to do that.

McKay is not safe by any means.

Last month, she confronted two shadow ministers personally with a dressing down, accusing Ryan Park and Prue Car of disloyalty – an act of insecurity.

Ryan Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Steven Saphore

Prue Car.

Park and Car protested and said their only interest is in winning the election – not in petty games.

Labor should have no other focus.

McKay’s strategy to claim bullying by men was straight out of the Queensland playbook.

Last year then Liberal opposition leader Deb Frecklington declared she would not be bullied by “backroom boys” of the LNP who were calling for a new leader.

She held her ground.

But neither Frecklington nor the party came out winners in the end.