We don't regard Jones as a serious contender, and we reckon that his decision to stand is probably more a matter of post-contest positioning; perhaps a bid to be Labour's deputy leader.
But Jones has at least ensured that there will be a contest, and if David Cunliffe confirms his candidacy today as expected, a three-way contest.
What will count against Shane Jones is his inability to ever win an electorate seat. He failed in Northland against John Carter in 2008, and failed again in 2011 when he took on Pita Sharples in Tamaki Makarau. But he will certainly bring a different dynamic to the contest, and it is unlikely to be dull!
FOOTNOTE: It has been interesting to see the various apologies to Duncan Garner over the last few days. He was right; there was a letter circulating that night a few weeks ago; we have been told that personally by someone from deep within the Labour Party. It wasn't supposed to get out but it did, and the coup was aborted temporarily.
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