7am The quiet force behind Labor’s landslide
7 snips
May 15, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Jason Koutsoukis, a special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, unravels the mysterious influence of Paul Erickson on Labor's electoral success. Despite his low profile, Erickson's strategic genius and disciplined campaign management played pivotal roles in the victory. Koutsoukis dives into Erickson's mentorship within the party, his tactical insights against opposition leaders, and what lies ahead for him in politics. This deep dive sheds light on the quiet force behind Labor's landslide triumph.
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Paul Erickson's Low-Profile Impact
- Paul Erickson prefers to keep a low profile but was publicly thanked by Anthony Albanese on election night.
- This public acknowledgment highlights the high respect Labor insiders have for Erickson.
Mastermind Behind Labor's Campaign
- Paul Erickson masterminded Labor's campaign strategy and coordinated thousands more ads than the coalition.
- He expertly handled candidate pre-selection and managed complex logistics nationally.
Erickson's Political Roots
- Erickson comes from a high-achieving family with Olympian siblings and started political organizing on campus.
- He and mentor Richard Wynne fought hard battles against the Greens in inner city Melbourne.