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The leader of the opposition has made an extraordinary admission - he rates John Key as a politician he can learn from.
Goff's sudden admiration for the Prime Minister comes as Labour struggles to make its mark in the latest ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll, with 21 points separating them with National.
"I've got to give it to John Key. He's a very good politician, very slick, very professional at what he does, very good at photo opportunities and that helps him," Goff says.
It is an extraordinary statement because political leaders usually avoid acknowledging their opponents even exist. Perhaps under pressure, the truth simply slipped out.
"There are things I need to do differently and better, but there are a lot of other reasons as well," he admitted.
"I just think it's about connecting with people out in the electorate."
When asked if he thinks he is connecting with the masses, he replied, "On a one-to-one basis I most certainly do that".
So will this mean a change in direction for the Labour party?
"That's a matter for the Caucus to reflect upon, I'm sure it'll be part of our discussions," says Labour Finance spokesman David Cunfliffe.
But Trevor Mallard tells ONE News it is not time to evaluate the party's leadership.
Goff still thinks he can make ground and is not worried an election is 18 months away.
"In the end I think reality catches up and become more important than perception," Goff says.
