Whatever happened to the NSW Labor party?

Residents are puzzled by the latest election development as they were handed leaflets last week asking them to “Keep Carmel”.

The incumbent Labor member, Deputy Premier and Health Minister does not have any mention that she is a Labor member or even the Deputy Premier anywhere on her material.

Ms Tebbutt, who holds her seat by 7.5 per cent from Greens challenger Fiona Byrne according to polls this week, defended the pamphlet, saying her constituents knew she was a proud Labor member and future election material would carry the ALP brand.

“There will be plenty of material produced during this election campaign,” she said.

“The Australian Labor Party will feature on much of this material.”

Marrickville resident Timothy Staples said he found the material insulting.

“I think it’s an obvious attempt to look like they’re not in the Labor party because of all of the recent controversy,” he said.

“Which is rude and a little insulting. MPs toe the party line on issues and vote according to party policies on things like a carbon tax or same sex marriage.

“And then they turn around and campaign like they’re independents? They are anything but.”

Ms Tebbutt’s campaign is just one from many MPs who appear to be distancing themselves from the damaged ALP brand.

In Granville Roads Minister David Borger was observed using yellow post-it notes to cover the ALP logo in the bottom right corner of posters in his campaign office windows.

And in the southwestern seat of Wollondilly Sydney’s Water Minister, Phil Costa, has released election pamphlets which do not once mention he is a member of the ALP.

Many have predicted a bloodbath in next month’s state election.

Former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke stating at a Labor Party campaign launch in Sydney on Monday that he thought the party couldn’t win and would be foolish to believe it could.

He called for MPs to try and hold and win as many seats as they possibly could.