A former Labour Party president thinks those railing against Willie Jackson are just a few people who are bitter and twisted.

Labour Party members, including three former MPs, have written an open letter to their leader Andrew Little, urging him to rethink his promise to give Willie Jackson a winnable list slot.

Former party President Mike Williams said the letter represents a few people who are afraid they might by replaced by Willie Jackson.

He said there's huge competition for winnable list slots.

"And it's by no means certain Willie will get a winnable list slot. They're winging at the moment, but I don't think it amounts to any great schism in the party."

LISTEN ABOVE AS MIKE WILLIAMS SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING