David Parker expected to quit ahead of leadership race

Political Editor, NZ Herald·NZ Herald·

24 Sep, 2014 01:29 AM3 mins to read

Labour leader David Cunliffe called again for an early leadership contest and pledged to get behind whoever wins if he loses. His comments this morning in advance of Labour's first caucus meeting of the new term follow calls from other MPs for a leadership contest to be delayed until the party has time to digest its loss and the reasons for it. Flanked by his deputy David Parker, Mr Cunliffe said the party's ruling Council would launch an immediate review of the election today, but Labour had to get on with rebuilding as soon as possible.

David Parker has ruled himself out of any contest for the Labour leadership, saying he told Labour leader David Cunliffe and his caucus colleagues of that decision yesterday.

Mr Parker has issued a statement clarifying his stance after ongoing speculation about his intentions.

"For the time being, I remain the deputy leader of the Labour Party," Mr Parker said.

"It remains my wish to address the issues arising from our worst election result in 92 years through party and caucus processes, which is why I have not been commenting in the media."

Mr Parker put his name up in 2011 for a short time but withdrew to make way for David Shearer instead, saying that decision was partly for personal reasons.

If Mr Parker did resign, it would be a step that would effectively be a vote of no confidence in current leader David Cunliffe and a sign Mr Parker either intends to stand himself or back another candidate for the role.

Mr Parker said this morning he was still the deputy leader of Labour after yesterday's seven-hour caucus meeting but would not comment further when asked if he was likely to step down.

"That's the only comment I'm making."

Mr Parker has not ruled out a tilt himself although he has done so in the past partly for personal reasons.

Mr Parker has stayed quiet since election night. He stood beside Mr Cunliffe for his morning press conference yesterday but was not there when Mr Cunliffe spoke to media after the caucus meeting.

During the morning press conference Mr Cunliffe interrupted when Mr Parker was asked a question, saying Mr Parker could not answer any questions.

Mr Parker also said he did not intend to answer questions - but he did intervene at one point to reject a suggestion that the caucus had undermined Mr Cunliffe since he became leader.

Mr Parker said that had not happened.

Mr Parker had refused to reveal which of the three candidates he supported in the last run-off between Grant Robertson, David Cunliffe and Shane Jones.

He has been Mr Cunliffe's deputy ever since, although he is not considered a Cunliffe loyalist.

He told the Herald earlier this year that he had taken that stance because of a need to bring caucus together, saying it was clear bridges needed to be built and he was one of those in a position to do so.

Mr Parker was going on a break yesterday, saying he was going skiing.