After a week of unfounded criticism, much of it coming from the mainstream media, David Cunliffe has made the right choice and stepped down as leader of the Labour party. However, he has already announced that he will be stepping back into the ring to contest the position, which will likely be with the ever-meticulous Grant Robertson.This makes a lot of sense, because it will not only ensure media focus is on Labour concerning an issue no sane journalist could criticize, it will also be a team building exercise nicely timed to boost moral. Such things will likely work in Labour's favour, especially because the focus will remain on the party, who should use this advantage to promote themselves and their values.
Today, the NZ Herald reported on David Cunliffe's announcement:
I have today decided to resign the leadership of the Labour Party, effective from the end of caucus on Tuesday.
The party has suffered an historic election loss and in resigning as leader I take responsibility for that.
The party will review all the contributing factors. That process has begun and I give it my full support.
Labour's values are New Zealand's values. But the election result has reinforced that the Labour Party must change in order to uphold and communicate those values.
I was elected one year ago with a mandate to lead change.
In that time I have worked to pull the party and caucus together and put every resource available to the service of the campaign.
Clearly there is much more to do, and the party's direction must be respected. There is no room for division or airing differences through the media despite agreement to the contrary.
The recent election confirms that Labour needs a more comprehensive overhaul.
We need to renew and rebuild our culture, accountabilities, how we do things and present to the world.
Achieving that in time for the 2017 election will require experienced and determined leadership with a broad mandate.
Whatever decisions are made must be in the best interests of New Zealand to have a strong and vital Labour Party.
The Party's interests must come before any personal interests. I have thought carefully before responding to the calls to re-offer myself for the leadership of the party.
Consultation with colleagues, members and affiliates has affirmed that the whole party must participate in this choice, and not just one part of it.
Therefore I am announcing today that I will nominate for a primary contest, which will be held across the caucus, the party membership and the affiliates as the party constitution requires.
The process is a matter for the party Council, but the work we have begun towards creating a better country with opportunities for all New Zealanders must be fast tracked.
I would like to take this moment once again to thank my family and friends, my parliamentary colleagues, my office staff, my electorate committee, staff and volunteers, and the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who voted Labour and who believe that Labour is a vital part of New Zealand's future.
It is a privilege to lead the Labour Party. It is a great and proud party. It has the best interests of all New Zealanders at heart.
It has the values needed to create a fairer and more progressive society. I intend with the endorsement of the Party, to lead Labour to victory in 2017 so we can implement them.
I am now going to resume a long-booked family holiday until Monday evening and won't be available for further media comment.
Thank-you. Kia kaha.
