Cunliffe not worried by Shearer/Parker alliance

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Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:15p.m.

David Cunliffe

David Cunliffe

By Jenny Suo

David Parker has pulled out of the race to be the Labour Party's next leader and thrown his support behind David Shearer.

That leaves Mr Shearer and the party's finance spokesman David Cunliffe in the fight for the title.

Mr Parker was still fighting for the top spot yesterday.

“I have the interest of the New Zealand’s working people in my heart and that I can deliver for them.”

But it is his own interests that he now has at heart; choosing instead to pull out of the leadership race and support Mr Shearer.

In a statement released today Mr Parker says he remains committed to Labour ideals and will work hard to achieve them for New Zealanders and the country.

"There is growing support for a new face to lead the Labour Party. I intend to support David Shearer in his bid.”

Former Labour president Mike Williams says this is a strategic move and he believes a deal has been done to benefit both of them.

“They’re personal friends and quite frankly, David Parker has decided that Shearer has got the best chance of winning.

“If there hasn’t been a deal done on deputy or finance, I would be very surprised.”

Mr Shearer says he had no idea about Mr Parker’s announcement until today.

“We didn’t chat. He just rang me in the afternoon saying he wanted to pull out and that he would come in behind me, which I really welcomed.”

But he says there are plans for Mr Parker to take on a major role.

“What I would like to have is him in a senior role because he’s got the talent that the Labour Party needs and the experience that will compliment the bench as well.”

Mr Shearer has been popular among the public but there has been criticism that he may be too new for the job. Mr Parker’s backing will certainly add to his support.

But that is not worrying his only opposition David Cunliffe.

“It doesn't really change anything. What you're really just seeing is a reallocation of support between those two candidates.”

Mr Cunliffe and Mr Shearer are taking part in a roadshow next week which will be last chance for them both to drum up support before the big vote.

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Comments

02 Dec 2011 06:18p.m.

Hine wrote:

I would honestly hope David Cunliffe becomes Labours New Leader. A new face, it shouldn't really matter who's face leads a party....... If they are passionate and dedicated about the position they are expected to do from begining to the end why not give them the chance. The whole thing with Helen Clark should not over come what we as new zealanders need for the future. As for some of the comments regarding politicans pledging to New Zealand workers.... It is sad t see that the only interests are for those whom earn more then the adv households.... Life is already hard putting food on tables and paying bills... Go TEAM CUNLIFFE!

02 Dec 2011 04:26p.m.

Paul wrote:

While I do not support current Labour policies in any way or form, I agree Shearer has the look and feel of a fresh breeze of honesty which Cunliffe does not portray. It would be good to have a new opposition party free of the shackles of the restrictive Clark era and free of the Nannyisms and anti social policies that went with it. I feel it could also be good to see Damien O'Conner as Shearers running mate which would express a positive fresh start for Labour.

02 Dec 2011 12:14p.m.

Turel wrote:

“I have the interest of the New Zealand’s working people in my heart and that I can deliver for them.”

LOL, what a spin. It should read as follows

"“I have the interest of the New Zealand’s Beneficiaries in my heart and that I can deliver for them for free cash.”

02 Dec 2011 11:26a.m.

Robert wrote:

Shearer is a gamble but I think Labour would do very well to take that risk. Shearer seems popular - I saw a comment on fb saying 'even South Island farmers would vote for him!' He might just have the common touch.

02 Dec 2011 10:51a.m.

Ronda wrote:

What we are seeing playing itself out are the factions and divisions within the Labour party. Although I have no idea of the internal things going on, at least to the outsider/me it looks something like this. Shearer, when asked whether he wanted to be the Leader says that he does because that is everyone's reason for going into politics. What an ego. Shearer, your reason for being in politics is to serve the people, period. That is what they put you in there for. Being leader is a bonus, not the sole reason for being there. Parker is a worry if one moment he wants to be leader, then hedges his bets and decides he will support Shearer because he may get a top job instead. It appears the only one managing to look half way possible as a leader is the Cunliffe/Mahuta alliance. At least I know who I wouldn't be voting for - the Shearer/Parker alliance can go take a hike.

02 Dec 2011 09:51a.m.

Barney wrote:

What parliament needs is real life skills not sitting on your backside in Parliament skills. Goff and Helen had multiple years of this and what did you get. Career politicians aren't good for progressive government. I see David Shearer as a breath of fresh air hopefully he wont go stale with more Parliamentary experience.

02 Dec 2011 09:02a.m.

Mike wrote:

Mr Cunliffe, you are dead and burried. Now there is hope for Labour. Go David Shearer!

02 Dec 2011 07:52a.m.

atrout wrote:

If Shearer is selected as the leader then there is a very realistic chance that Labour would form a government after the 2014 election. With anyone else the chance is slim indeed.