Nash touted as future party leader

Stuart Nash won the Napier seat for Labour at the general election. Photo / Paul Taylor

Stuart Nash has been asked to put his hand up for the leadership of the Labour Party. But says he hasn't "really thought about it".

The party's dire performance at Saturday's election has fuelled talk of a leadership change as a question mark hangs over David Cunliffe's future as leader, with Mr Nash's name among those mentioned as a possible replacement. The political editor for One News, Corin Dann, put Mr Nash in the limelight on Saturday night, during the election coverage, when he said Mr Nash was looking good as a future Labour leader.

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Mr Nash is generally considered a well-connected up-and-comer within the party, having been a Napier-based list MP from 2008 to 2011 before working briefly as chief of staff for former leader David Shearer.

He has also been involved in policy development for the party.

Mr Nash had little to say about his intentions yesterday when asked if he had been approached to have a tilt at the top job.

"I've been asked to but I haven't really thought about it," he said.

"The thought of leadership hasn't really crossed my mind but what I'm adamant about doing is being the best possible MP I can for Napier, and really making a difference here."

Mr Nash said talk of a challenge to David Cunliffe's leadership was "inevitable" in the circumstances.

However, he was giving little else away. "Let's just see what happens. In essence I'm starting again [as an MP]. I'm just looking to find - and get my feet under - a desk and be the good, hard working member for Napier."