Cunliffe quells resignation speculation

Political Editor, NZ Herald·NZ Herald·

25 Sep, 2014 04:48 AM4 mins to read

Labour Leader David Cunliffe. Photo / Getty Images

Labour leader David Cunliffe has quelled speculation he was set to resign today and a spokesman said he would continue to "take soundings from colleagues and associates" before any further developments.

Even many of Cunliffe's supporters are now suggesting he has no option but to stand down as leader because of his relations with caucus in the wake of the devastating election loss.

That prompted speculation he would resign today rather than wait until caucus meets next Tuesday, as originally proposed.

Mr Cunliffe did not return calls, but when asked by text whether speculation he would step down today was accurate, he replied "no."

A spokesman has now issued a statement saying Mr Cunliffe was on a short break with his family and there would be no further developments today.

"He continues to take soundings from associates and colleagues. He will not be making any statements today. Thank-you for your patience."

Former Cunliffe loyalist Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway is understood to be one of the MPs now Mr Cunliffe to step down as leader because of concerns staying in the role will further destabilise the party.

Mr Lees-Galloway refused to comment on his position, but it is understood he has been talking to other MPs about whether it was realistic to expect Mr Cunliffe to be able to stay on as leader.

He was one of Mr Cunliffe's staunchest supporters in last year's leadership contest, but is now expected to counsel Mr Cunliffe that it is best to step aside because he can not control caucus.

Mr Lees-Galloway won his seat at this year's election with 15164 votes, compared to National opponent Jono Naylor on 13275. In 2011, Mr Lees-Galloway had 16525 votes

Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway

Another Cunliffe supporter, Su'a William Sio, is also believed to have expressed concern about Mr Cunliffe's ability to stay on but said today that was "inaccurate."

He said before the party's caucus meeting on Tuesday his Mangere electorate committee told him to back Mr Cunliffe in his bid to remain leader.

However, he would not say if he personally believed it was tenable for Mr Cunliffe to continue in the role following that caucus meeting.

"I'm not going to answer that question at all. I think I've made it clear the people of Mangere want to see him stay as leader. At the end of the day that's a decision DC needs to make after he considers all the comments made by the members of caucus."

It is understood at least three of Cunliffe's supporters have broken ranks because of concerns he could not provide stable leadership even if he can secure a renewed mandate from the wider party.

Watch: Cunliffe: 'We must stop the leaks'

Other Cunliffe supporters from last year's leadership contest did not return calls or refused to comment when asked if they believed he should stay in the role.

Carmel Sepuloni said she would not comment. "I'm not going to talk about the leadership, anything to do with our caucus. I am looking forward to our caucus meeting next week when we can all go back after having reflected and having some time to think."

Nanaia Mahuta did not return calls today. On Monday, she refused to comment on the leadership or say whether she supported Mr Cunliffe's bid for a renewed mandate as leader. The bad election result meant Mr Cunliffe lost at least two other supporters in Carol Beaumont and Moana Mackey, who did not make it back on the list.