Fed: Labor MPs pin hopes on Latham's new ideas, energy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2003
Fed: Labor MPs pin hopes on Latham's new ideas, energy

Labor MPs have agreed that new leader MARK LATHAM's youthful energy and ability to
communicate with people could lead them out of the political wilderness.

But they've accepted they're taking a big risk on the untried leader.

Mr LATHAM narrowly defeated former leader KIM BEAZLEY in an ALP caucus vote yesterday.

Tasmanian MP DICK ADAMS says Mr LATHAM has lots of energy and ideas.

Both Tasmanian MP HARRY QUICK and New South Wales frontbencher LAURIE FERGUSON say
Mr LATHAM's background of living in public housing in Western Sydney shows he's done the
hard work to get where he is.

The MPs say that will resonate with voters.

Meanwhile West Australian MP GRAHAM EDWARDS -- a BEAZLEY supporter -- says he's disappointed,
but says Mr LATHAM has got the government a bit spooked and that's good for the Labor
party.

AAP RTV dep/rca/rt

KEYWORD: LABOR MPS (CANBERRA)

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