Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Top Scoops

Book Reviews | Gordon Campbell | Scoop News | Wellington Scoop | Community Scoop | Search

 

House Cleaning: Labour Leadership Caucus Press Conference

House Cleaning

Labour Caucus: Unanimous Endorsement of Shearer; Cunliffe Demoted


Scoop Video+Audio+Photos

By Mark P. Williams

Today the questions over David Shearer's leadership of the Labour Party were answered in a special meeting of the Labour caucus. Mr Shearer held a press conference afterwards to announce that the result was a unanimous vote of confidence in his capabilities as a Leader.

He said he had called the meeting to end speculation about his leadership and added that he enjoyed the confidence of his caucus now and into the future.

Mr Shearer also announced that he would be demoting David Cunliffe, from the front bench and removing his portfolios from him. He said that Mr Cunliffe had lost his trust, that he was not a "team player", and he no longer had confidence in him, saying "He has lost my trust".

He then took questions from the press.


*******


Questions

Mr Shearer was asked whether he expected to win the caucus vote in February as well. He answered firmly that he did expect to win it, "because I can count […] I enjoy the confidence of my caucus".

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Mr Shearer was asked whether he would also demote any of Mr Cunliffe's supporters. He said that he had no plans to do so.

Mr Shearer was asked whether there was any way back for Mr Cunliffe. He responded "absolutely" and praised Mr Cunliffe's abilities as an economic spokesperson.

Mr Shearer was asked what Mr Cunliffe had done specifically. He responded that Mr Cunliffe had attempted to promote his own interests above those of the party.

Mr Shearer was asked whether Mr Cunliffe had acted alone. Mr Shearer said that he did not "want to go there".

Mr Shearer was asked whether he felt he had the confidence of the wider party. He responded that the feedback he had received at the recent party conference indicated that support was strong.

*******

Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.

*******


Mr Cunliffe is glimpsed entering


The Leader and Deputy Leader enter through the press throng


Click for big version.

Cleaning staff pass through the corridors, accidentally marking the moment with a sign destined for twitter


Click for big version.

After the caucus, Mr Shearer noticably upbeat at the press conference

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Top Scoops Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.