David Shearer resigning?

Written By: - Date published: 6:56 am, December 8th, 2016 - 167 comments
Categories: david shearer, labour, Politics - Tags:

The Herald has reported that David Shearer is expected to resign, forcing a by election in the new year.

Labour MP David Shearer is poised to resign from Parliament to take up the tough job of leading the United Nations’ mission in war-torn South Sudan.

The latest political bombshell will mean a byelection in his Mt Albert electorate early next year, the first electoral challenge for the new Prime Minister.

A recommendation for his appointment has been put before the UN Security Council in New York by outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon.

Once approved this week, Shearer will work alongside the commander of 18,000 peace-keepers, with a budget of about $1 billion.

Any of the Security Council’s 15 members has two days to object, but given Shearer’s previous experience as a senior UN leader in trouble-spots, he is likely to be accepted.

Shearer has not confirmed and it appears the appointment requires approval. If the appointment was delayed until April then a by election could be avoided.

167 comments on “David Shearer resigning? ”

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  1. Carolyn_nth 1
    8 December 2016 at 7:06 am

    Both the NZ Herald and Stuff make it seem that a by-election early next year is inevitable – that the Shearer appointment will be signed off by the UN in the next week.
    Stuff article

    • Cinny 1.1
      8 December 2016 at 7:21 am

      And Henry perpetuates the story further on the wireless. Yes he would be great for that kind of role, but for goodness sake NZ media calm down because very soon it’s all going to blow up in your face.

      Thought they would be talking about the Key IMF story that was printed a year ago, but run by the herald yesterday.

      Far out our media is sad as, what a joke.

      Early election please… Helensville has suffered for long enough as has Mana, Nelson, oh gosh the list is plentiful

      • Carolyn_nth 1.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 7:27 am

        McCully’s office confirmed the Shearer story. Andrea Vance says this story has been in the rumour mill for a while. So it sounds like the Nats leaked the story – a distraction indeed?

        And Vance adds, it depends whether there’s a snapp early general election next year. Then a by-election wouldn’t be needed.

        Vance video

        And nobody’s talking about Key and the Panama Papers – the IMF story is a non-starter.

        • Cinny 1.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 7:36 am

          Was thinking about Key and the Panama Papers earlier on in the week when he quit.

          Andy said in Parliament the other day that Labour was ready for a Snap Election.

          Sounds like the story re Shearer is legit, Andy is on the wireless saying he knew about the story ten days ago. But nothing about a by election from Andy

          All the best Mr Shearer should you leave us, you are a star, UN would be lucky to have you.

          • Carolyn_nth 1.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2016 at 7:40 am

            The Panama Papers is what Bomber’s (probably wide of the mark) rumour seems to point to – something that happened in the middle of this year, he said.

            It does sound like the Nats leaked the Shearer story – or at least one faction in the Nats, as they seem to have lost some of the caucus discipline that was strong under Key’s watch.

          • One Two 1.1.1.1.2
            8 December 2016 at 3:48 pm

            How is Shearer ” a star”?

      • Jenny Kirk 1.1.2
        8 December 2016 at 9:04 am

        Andrew Little on Breakfast TV1 this morning said he thought an early election would be preferable. He also said it was Murray McCully to leaked the news and that could jeopardise David Shearer’s chances of approval by the Security Council.

        https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/andrew-little-calls-early-election-instead-mt-albert-brought-david-shearers-expected-move-un-role

  2. Andre 2
    8 December 2016 at 7:12 am

    The Herald article said the Mt Albert party vote for Labour was lower than what the Nats got, but neglected to mention the Labour + Greens was well above the Nats.

    http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2014/electorate-27.html

    • wellfedweta 2.1
      8 December 2016 at 9:11 pm

      Andre, that may not help Labour if the Greens run in protest at Labour’s betrayal in Nelson.

  3. Ad 3
    8 December 2016 at 7:23 am

    Who are likely candidates for Mt Albert?

    • Carolyn_nth 3.1
      8 December 2016 at 7:31 am

      Toby Manhire just tweeted that Jacinda Ardern moved to the Mt Albert electorate earlier this year:

      Manhire tweet

      • Ovid 3.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 7:53 am

        It looks like Maryan Street is the next on the list should Arden stand and win the constituency.

      • Karen 3.1.2
        8 December 2016 at 10:33 am

        Ardern was the first one I thought of when thinking about who would do well in the Mt Albert electorate. Part of the Mt Albert electorate was the Auckland Central one up until boundary changes before the last election. She would be a good fit.

  4. marty mars 4
    8 December 2016 at 7:23 am

    He seems to know how to do the UN stuff, so good – he wasn’t much political chop here.

    • Nick 4.1
      8 December 2016 at 7:51 am

      Agree with you Marty, not much political chop…..although natzis seem to have a whole caucus full of them…. It’s actually unbelievable how many clowns, creeps or con men they have.

      • Puckish Rogue 4.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 8:19 am

        Being that under Shearer Labour polled above 30% Labour probably dumped Shearer far too early

        • Bill Drees 4.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 8:50 am

          Shearer dumped himself. He bolted when he saw an election ahead of him. Shearer is spineless.
          Shearer was given a very generous honeymoon by the the party and still continued to screw up. The Shearer disaster is a result of a stupid caucus making him leader when he was totally unproven and inexperienced in parliament.
          Shearer, Robertson et al still mouth off that it was bloggers that took him down. Oh that we had a fraction of that power!

          Shearer will continue to write a false narrative of his disasterous sojourn as MP for Mt Albert and the lazy media will continue to repeat it.

          • Puckish Rogue 4.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2016 at 9:01 am

            Robertson complaining about bloggers taking down leaders is a little ironic I’d have thought

            • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2016 at 12:14 pm

              How so? Are you attempting to resuscitate the National Party lie that this is a Labour Party website or what?

          • Dalene 4.1.1.1.2
            9 December 2016 at 8:10 am

            Curious, what is a ‘generous honeymoon’ period?

        • Psycho Milt 4.1.1.2
          8 December 2016 at 9:39 am

          Being that under Shearer Labour polled above 30% Labour probably dumped Shearer far too early

          Yes. He was obviously inexperienced and overly-reliant on bad advice from others, including others who didn’t wish him success, but that’s something that time might have fixed. If Shearer was “not much chop” with Labour polling above 30% under his leadership, what does that say about Andrew Little?

          • weka 4.1.1.2.1
            8 December 2016 at 11:10 am

            Little inherited a very dysfunctional cabinet and a long history of Labour appearing incompetent because of that. The solution to that wasn’t to be a brilliant leader that everyone would rally around and that the public would adore, because (a) there isn’t such a senior person in Labour currently, and (b) the party was fractured along right/left lines so it just wasn’t possible.

            What Little says is that he needed time to deal with that, internally and away from the public eye. Then to start rebuilding the party around policy and connecting with NZers. That all seems on track. Whether it will be enough for the 2017 election I don’t know.

            I take the leaving of Goff and Shearer as very good signs.

            • Psycho Milt 4.1.1.2.1.1
              8 December 2016 at 11:52 am

              Sure – I think Little’s doing a good job, it’s just that the people saying Shearer was a poor leader are inviting a comparison of poll results, and shouldn’t.

              • weka …
                8 December 2016 at 12:20 pm

                oh right, I get you now.

              • adam …
                8 December 2016 at 3:20 pm

                I think Shearer was a poor member of parliament. In all that entails.

                Please note, The bulk of national mp’s fit that category. And quite a few from labour, that said, labour has a tendency to hire really good office staff – which helps them, especially constituent wise.

        • swordfish 4.1.1.3
          8 December 2016 at 5:44 pm

          “under Shearer Labour polled above 30% Labour probably dumped Shearer far too early”

          Shearer ends on 31%, Cunliffe begins – just a few weeks later – on 37%.

          What would’ve happened to Labour support under a verbally-confused Shearer if he’d faced the same Media firestorm that Cunliffe experienced in Election Year ?

    • David C 4.2
      8 December 2016 at 7:55 am

      Easily the best labour leader since Clark.
      If Shearer was in the top job still Labour wouldnt be getting poll results of 23%

  5. Romy 5
    8 December 2016 at 7:36 am

    It’s encouraging to see Labour activists being invited to fill humanitarian roles. It reflecs the core values of the party–social justice and fairness, among others–and creates opportunities for other party members to rise.

  6. Romy 6
    8 December 2016 at 7:37 am

    It’s encouraging to see Labour activists being invited to fill humanitarian roles. It reflecs the core values of the party–social justice and fairness, among others–and creates opportunities for other party members to rise.
    #GoLabour

  7. Ovid 7
    8 December 2016 at 7:47 am

    This will pretty much force Bill English’s hand to declare whether he’d go to the country in the next 6 months or not as a by-election won’t be held within 6 months of a general. I think English intends to see out the term and at least pass a budget before the general election.

    So that means Labour will get the chance to bring some fresh talent aboard and raise its profile in Auckland again in a by-election, but it also means spending a bit more money than anticipated next year.

    • Carolyn_nth 7.1
      8 December 2016 at 7:54 am

      Actually, apparently Jane Patterson on RNZ said something about the Nats leaking this story, to manipulate the system to rush the general election on their terms – according to a tweet.

      • mickysavage 7.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 7:58 am

        McCully’s fingerprints are all over it. He clearly knew about it.

        • Carolyn_nth 7.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 8:02 am

          Andrea Vance has said on twitter – a brief comment from Shearer, who is currently in new York. Shearer says the potential appointment is before the UN:

          Vance tweet

        • Kiwiri 7.1.1.2
          8 December 2016 at 8:35 am

          You’re right, MS. I heard snatches about this on Monday at the airport in Auckland.

        • alwyn 7.1.1.3
          8 December 2016 at 9:58 am

          “He clearly knew about it”.
          That is truly a deduction of genius MS.
          The appointment requires the approval of the Security Council.
          New Zealand is a member of the Security Council.
          McCully is the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
          How could he possibly not know?

          • mickysavage 7.1.1.3.1
            8 December 2016 at 11:08 am

            So how do you feel about the Minister for Foreign Affairs leaking to the media for political purposes and potentially derailing an important UN appointment process?

            • alwyn 7.1.1.3.1.1
              8 December 2016 at 11:34 am

              Pray tell us.
              What evidence do you have that McCully “leaked” this story?
              How could it possibly “derail” the appointment?
              McCully, when asked, confirmed the story and was most complimentary about Shearer. But confirming isn’t evidence of leaking.

      • Matthew Whitehead 7.1.2
        8 December 2016 at 9:04 pm

        National don’t need to do anything to rush the next GE though. The PM can instruct the GG to call one whenever he wants and literally the only constraint on him is that he must call one in time for 3 years since the last election.

        If anyone gains from forcing a by-election now, it’s Labour, because English will have to inform Parliament if he intends to hold the election within the next 6 months once the vacancy is confirmed, (so that there is a legal justification not to hold a by-election) which then tips his hand to the opposition.

        Of course, English can always say he doesn’t intend to hold one within 6 months and then change his mind, so really, I don’t see how the by-election gains anyone anything.

    • Ad 7.2
      8 December 2016 at 8:00 am

      Shearer just needs to hold on until April and avoid the by-election.

      Labour needs no more by-election distractions and needs to focus on presenting a fully refreshed lineup for 2017.

      • Carolyn_nth 7.2.1
        8 December 2016 at 8:05 am

        Vance again on twitter

        Labour sources say Shearer to quit earlier rather than later – potentially as early as next month.

      • ScottGN 7.2.2
        8 December 2016 at 8:08 am

        Perhaps he could stay on as an MP and be given leave by parliament to go to the UN job? I think, given the important nature of the job and the cost of a by-election most of the public would find that an acceptable compromise?
        Also if he goes within the six month period and no by-election is called how does that affect the votes in parliament? Does Labour get a proxy?

        • mickysavage 7.2.2.1
          8 December 2016 at 9:42 am

          Yep there are four MPs now ready to go. Key, Williamson, Cunliffe and Shearer. Two each. Pass the resolution and let them all bowl out early in April. Job done.

          No proxies can be granted but the good thing is there are two from each side.

          • Pat 7.2.2.1.1
            8 December 2016 at 10:05 am

            Shearer has to be gone end of January…..with 4 resignations/retirements (plus potentially others) it is the obvious time to move the election forward….which would likely suit National as well.

            • alwyn 7.2.2.1.1.1
              8 December 2016 at 10:19 am

              Why on earth should it suit National? National held an early election in 1951. They had a massive win but as one of their leading figures once said in my hearing.
              “The only long term effect was that we had 8 years instead of 9 in office”.
              As far as I can see Little would like a General Election because his party is completely broke.

              • Pat …
                8 December 2016 at 10:35 am

                why would it suit National.?…a number of reasons…if you accept that Key’s presentation was a major factor in National’s support then the longer National wait the more the Key effect dissipates, English is going to be leader (and should remain Finance Minister IMO) and he can ride the current praise of his handling of the economy without the risk of a reversal or a leadership failing, and the Party/caucus as whole will now be subjected to closer scrutiny in an attempt to evaluate Key’s legacy and his reason for quitting….scrutiny that may not serve the National Party well….why take the risks? ride the wave while its still there.

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  8 December 2016 at 11:08 am

                  Far better (from Nationals POV) to drain Labour of more money they don’t have fighting a bye-election that they’ll win anyway so they have less money for the general election and if the talk of the budget surplus is correct then theres no need for National to go early, the only party it would benefit is Labour

                  • Pat …
                    8 December 2016 at 11:15 am

                    obviously i disagreed for the reasons stated, National are at their strongest now and the best they can hope for is to maintain their current level of support but in reality are far more likely to lose support as time progresses…as to by elections draining funds……how much do you think Labour spent on Mt Roskill? i would suggest sweet bugger all…a bit of local advertising and lots of volunteers on the ground.

                  • alwyn …
                    8 December 2016 at 11:46 am

                    It doesn’t actually matter when an MP resigns. There are two clauses to the section about holding a by-election
                    http://www.elections.org.nz/voting-system/elections

                    “A by-election is not required if –
                    (a)The vacancy arises within 6 months of the date on which Parliament would expire (on or after 10 April 2017); or
                    (b)The Prime Minister informs the House of Representatives in writing that a general election will be held within 6 months of the vacancy –

                    and 75% or more members of the House of Representatives resolve that a writ for a by-election not be issued.”

                    Note the bit in the AND section at the end.

                    As long as 31 members demand that a by-election should be held it must be held. National could force the by-election, even if it was only 4 months before the General Election, couldn’t they?
                    Whether they would do so is quite another matter.

                    • mosa …
                      8 December 2016 at 4:13 pm

                      Thanks Alwyn for the information concerning the rules on the timing of a by-election.

                      With the parliament expiring in April and IF Shearer does resign his seat in the next six months then it would force the Prime ministers hand in asking the GG for a dissolution of parliament and a general election date.

                      I remember Jim Bolger having to do the same in 1996 when Michael Laws resigned and announcing the date for October 12th.

                      Key of course named the date at the start of the election year to avoid speculation.

                      The new PM could do just that.

                    • alwyn …
                      8 December 2016 at 4:45 pm

                      Mosa.

                      A couple of minor corrections.
                      Parliament does not expire in April. It will expire in October, and therefore a General election MUST be held within the six month period starting 10 April. Thus we can be sure on the 10th April that there will be a General Election within 6 months.

                      Shearer resigning wouldn’t force the PM to do anything. If anything it would make the Government stronger as it would remove an opposition vote.
                      It would only be the resignation of a Government MP from his party, which Laws was in 1996, that could lead to a Government being unable to continue to retain the confidence of the House.
                      It was also Muldoon’s claim about Marilyn Waring being the reason for calling the 1984 snap election.

                      The PM doesn’t ask the GG for an election date if he is still in charge of a stable Government. He tells the GG what the date will be.

                      I wasn’t in NZ in 1996 but the impression I got was that all the existing parties were splintering and the ability to govern was collapsing.

                    • mosa …
                      8 December 2016 at 10:42 pm

                      Yes Alwyn i read the date for parliaments expiry wrong so that changes my original comments.

                      Yes the PM “instructs the GG on when he wants a general election
                      and is leading a stable government with support partners at the moment.

                      Michael Laws resigned on the 26th April 1996 after a scandal with the Napier city council of which he was a member.

                      That forced Jim Bolger to name the election date as he did not want a by-election or be forced to name a date this far out but had his arm forced on this resignation.

                      National had a lot of defections in 1995 and early 1996 but remained the government with some resigning MPs supporting the governing party.

                      Three new parties emerged, United , Conservatives, Christian Democrat all supporting the government.

                      Still having control of parliament it was expected to run full term until the Laws resignation.

    • mosa 7.3
      8 December 2016 at 3:49 pm

      Options for an early (not a snap) election must be in the mix IF the by-election is in the next few months.

      The caucus will have to decide which one to fight and have a reason to go early and you can bet that if they do ask for a dissolution and go the country in the next few months the MSM will support it.

      The other option is deliver the budget in May with the lucrative family package / tax cuts and if their polling is still high go for an early winter election -June July August.

      The last legal date for a general election is November 18th 2017.

      As for Murray McCully’s involvement they will manipulate the situation as they always have to control their own agenda.

  8. saveNZ 8
    8 December 2016 at 8:19 am

    Probably trying to get any rumour to deflect from the Natz leadership woes.

  9. adam 9
    8 December 2016 at 8:27 am

    It’s weird this is a guy with a reputation for getting things done with the UN. But, one of the worst constituent MP’s the labour party ever had. No media skills, a lack of charisma and just a awful public speaker. For ever fumbling his way through question time.

    Think his going will be good for labour, the so called key foil, just so sub par. I suppose that what you get when you freaking out.

  10. mauī 10
    8 December 2016 at 8:29 am

    Goff, Shearer, Leggett… Its a good start to a refresh. A couple more have made their dough, time to step out of the way too.

    • Karen 10.1
      8 December 2016 at 10:37 am

      Cosgrove is going too – he’s a list MP. All of them on the right of the party so good news.

      • mauī 10.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 10:47 am

        Oh that’s great, that just leaves the man with the bird name and I would be happy.

        • Leftie 10.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 8:53 pm

          Be happy….

          “Trevor Mallard will not stand for election again in the Hutt South electorate where he has been the Labour MP since 1993.

          He will instead seek a place on the Labour list and said he had been given the nod from party leader Andrew Little that should Labour win the election he would be nominated for the position of Speaker of the House.”

          <a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/309372/trevor-mallard-won't-stand-again-for-hutt-south

        • Leftie 10.1.1.2
          8 December 2016 at 8:56 pm

          Mauī. Be happy….

          “Trevor Mallard will not stand for election again in the Hutt South electorate where he has been the Labour MP since 1993.

          He will instead seek a place on the Labour list and said he had been given the nod from party leader Andrew Little that should Labour win the election he would be nominated for the position of Speaker of the House.”

          <a href="http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/309372/trevor-mallard-won't-stand-again-for-hutt-south

          • Matthew Whitehead 10.1.1.2.1
            8 December 2016 at 10:16 pm

            I suppose that’s not as bad as things could be, given they haven’t really trained anyone new to be speaker. One hopes they quickly train up whoever their deputy candidate is so they can push Mallard out in time for 2020.

            If they’re not getting rid of him though, the other person they really need to push who hasn’t yet announced they’re going is Curran.

  11. Armada 11
    8 December 2016 at 8:33 am

    Let’s us hope Mt Albert gets a more deserving MP next time.

    Shearer got the seat too easily and acquired an unpleasant sense of entitlement.
    Shearer then screwed up the local Labour organisation.
    Shearer’s vanity enabled Grant Robertson to use him as patsy aganist Cunliffe.
    Shearer’s lack of balls had him resign from the Labour leadership six months out from an election leaving an impossible task for his successor and the party.
    Shearer’s contribution to anything for Labour is measured in negative terms.

    Go Shearer take Robertson with you.

    • Kiwiri 11.1
      8 December 2016 at 8:37 am

      Ardern has been aiming at a seat like Mt A. She and Robertson will form the next leadership team.

      • David C 11.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 9:53 am

        Ardern and Robertson?

        We can only hope for such a great result this time next year.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 11.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 12:20 pm

          Who do you like for leader of the National Party? I like Collins, because she’s corrupt and spiteful, Coleman because he has no charisma, and English because he has no charisma or personality.

          Good luck 😆

        • DoublePlusGood 11.1.1.2
          8 December 2016 at 2:00 pm

          Oh, we know it will keep your team in power for a decade, but for the good of New Zealand, let’s not.

    • Anne 11.2
      8 December 2016 at 9:42 am

      You’ve made some serious accusations there Armada.

      … acquired an unpleasant sense of entitlement.
      … screwed up the local organisation.
      … enabled Grant Robertson to use him as a patsy against Cunliffe.
      …. contribution measured in negative terms.

      Produce the evidence or shut up!

      Btw, the “lack of balls” is patent twaddle, and he resigned close to a year before the 2014 election not six months. The reason it wasn’t a full year was because Key called the election two months early. I think you make things up.

      • alwyn 11.2.1
        8 December 2016 at 10:34 am

        ” Key called the election two months early.”
        Pray tell us what is the reason for you claim?
        Can you show us what the logic for claiming it was “early” is? Saying that it was less than 3 years since the previous one does not count as there was no statute for setting the date.
        “I think you make things up”.

        • Anne 11.2.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 10:49 am

          What’s the problem PR?

          Key called the election for the 20th September 2014. Most general elections take place in November. It’s not unusual for an election to be called before November and I never suggested otherwise. I was pointing out to Armada that to say Shearer only gave Cunliffe six months was a convenient twist of the truth. Shearer did not know the election was coming before November 2014 at the time of his resignation. Armada makes things up to suit his/her agenda.

  12. James 12
    8 December 2016 at 8:51 am

    Good on him. Wishing him all the best and success in his new role – it won’t be easy – but it would be immensely satisfying and make a real difference.

    • Puckish Rogue 14.1
      8 December 2016 at 9:33 am

      Naah much better to drain Labour of some resources fighting a bye-election they’ll win easily so they have even less money to spend on the general election

      • AB 14.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 10:59 am

        PR loves how money can be used to skew democratic processes and outcomes.
        Truly a guy with high standards

        • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 11:15 am

          Well yes and no, money isn’t the main factor. If it was the Greens would have more seats then Labour and the Internet-Mana party would have romped home.

          However there’s probably some sort of equation between the size of the party and the minimum amount of money required to advertise.

          But I love how you think National should give Labour a break simply because Labour are stink at raising money, even the Greens are better at it then Labour so its not a excuse that left wings parties can’t raise money

          • AB 14.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2016 at 1:48 pm

            Well I don’t think that of course and never said it – just your usual straw man exercise.
            The implication of what I said is that the effect of money should be taken out of the equation entirely, if you take democracy seriously.

            • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2016 at 3:01 pm

              No it shouldn’t, why shouldn’t I be able to donate to the political party of my choice?

              • AB …
                8 December 2016 at 9:34 pm

                Of course you should – that’s not what I said either. More straw-man deflections.

                But you shouldn’t be able to donate significantly more than the average person is able to donate to the party of THEIR choice.

                The principle of “one person one vote” absolutely implies that we should all have equal influence over the result.
                Being able to donate more money than others is an indirect way of undermining that principle.

                Set the ceiling on personal donations at 0.25% of the median wage. And don’t allow any donations from business

    • Bearded Git 14.2
      8 December 2016 at 10:27 am

      Could be a bluff by Little-getting Ardern in with a nice by election win would be yet another boost for the troops and a bit of a refresh too.

      I will be drinking a Mytos Pale Ale tonight in Nicaragua to celebrate the end of JK which only just filtered through to me.

  15. Rae 15
    8 December 2016 at 9:16 am

    Shearer was a decent bloke and they perhaps should have persevered with him. The woman, can’t remember her title or name, who seemed to organize and advise from behind the scenes, who probably came up with the idea of the fish in the chambers, should have been replaced.
    I know he would have copped hell for it, but he needed a bit of blepharoplasty so he didn’t look so tired. The droopy eyelids would have been a result of all those years of squinting against the glare off the water waiting for wave. His eyelids made him look like he was constantly in danger of dropping off to sleep.
    He was also probably too decent and inclusive to be a decisive leader, shame.
    I wish him all the best, I think he might be returning to what he does best, so he should.

    • In Vino 15.1
      8 December 2016 at 5:59 pm

      He wasn’t such a bad guy – the problem was that he could not utter two compound-complex sentences coherently. When he opened his mouth he lost his audience. National loved him for it and praised him up, knowing that he made Key sound like Shakespeare.

  16. Brutus Iscariot 16
    8 December 2016 at 9:32 am

    Why not throw Little in there for the byelection?

    • indiana 16.1
      8 December 2016 at 9:42 am

      After revealing his income details, he can’t afford a house in Mt Albert

      • AB 16.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 11:08 am

        Ha ha ha – middle class people now can’t afford to buy a house in Mt Albert. Isn’t that just hilarious! And we have a guy leading a political party who isn’t really really rich – how pathetic is that!
        Thanks Indiana – you’ve unintentionally give us a nice little insight into the terminal moral rot that infects the right-wing brain

        • Puckish Rogue 16.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 11:20 am

          I think its more concerning that someone that’s been on a pretty good pay packet since 2007 can’t afford a house in the electorate he’d (probably) like to stand in

          I mean if you can’t properly budget, plan and look after your money then I really hope the Labour finance minister knows what they’re doing

          “After graduating he took a job as a lawyer with the Engineers’ Union (a forerunner of the EPMU), with his work including Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and employment law issues.[4] In 1997 he was appointed the union’s general counsel (chief lawyer). Two years later, he was appointed assistant national secretary, and was elected national secretary when Rex Jones stood down from the position in 2000.”

          • Tracey 16.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2016 at 12:07 pm

            …and what was his salary, because Union salaries, in my experience, are not “market” rates. The ability to accumulate money is not the only way to measure a person’s worth or value.

            • Puckish Rogue 16.1.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2016 at 12:49 pm

              I’d be surprised if he hasn’t averaged at least a hundred grand a year for the last ten years

            • alwyn 16.1.1.1.1.2
              8 December 2016 at 12:53 pm

              “and what was his salary”
              In the year to March 2010 about $134k. The next year about $131k.
              Then from April to November 2011 he got about $178k from the Union. From December 2011 to March 2012 he got about $48k as an MP. Call it $226k for the year.
              He may have had other income of course. Those numbers weren’t from his tax returns which, in spite of his promises, he has never released.

                • alwyn …
                  8 December 2016 at 1:57 pm

                  As I pointed out, but you chose to ignore, what Little released was not his tax returns.
                  They are merely the numbers from his summary of earnings which is the information his employer had supplied to the IRD.

                  They are only some of the information that would go into a tax return. And it his returns he promised to release but never did. They would have to include ALL his income.

                  To paraphrase your last sentence.
                  “Wonder what Andrew Little was hiding when he refused to release his TAX RETURNS for public scrutiny?”

                  • Leftie …
                    8 December 2016 at 6:24 pm

                    Your grasping at straws Alwyn, and the question still remains, which you can’t answer, wonder what John key was hiding when he refused to release his tax returns for public scrutiny.

                    • alwyn …
                      8 December 2016 at 6:33 pm

                      It is not normal for any politician in New Zealand to publish their income tax returns. Why should they?
                      Why should he have been expected to do what even a sanctimonious prat like Andrew Little refused to do?
                      I notice that at least this time you didn’t claim that Little had done so. You do accept I hope that when he said he was releasing his tax returns he was lying to you.

                    • Leftie …
                      8 December 2016 at 8:43 pm

                      You are only lying to yourself Alwyn. Andrew Little was being open, transparent and honest by releasing his tax returns, no surprise then that John key, the most dishonest and dirtiest politician in this country’s history, refused to do so. Maybe it should become the norm. What was that John key was saying about if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear.

                    • wellfedweta …
                      8 December 2016 at 9:20 pm

                      “Andrew Little was being open, transparent and honest by releasing his tax returns”

                      And you’re being dishonest. As stated above, Little didn’t release his tax returns.

    • Puckish Rogue 16.2
      8 December 2016 at 10:10 am

      Third times a charm I guess 🙂

  17. millsy 17
    8 December 2016 at 9:54 am

    The only Labour leader to take on the power companies, and make some effort to have Turkmenistan level energy prices for New Zealanders.

    Also, the first Labour leader not to have been a cabinet minister since Harry Holland.

    • alwyn 17.1
      8 December 2016 at 10:13 am

      “Also, the first Labour leader not to have been a cabinet minister since Harry Holland”.
      Really?
      You have heard of Norman Kirk. And of David Lange. They were both Labour leaders who hadn’t been Cabinet Ministers. They might have become Ministers later but then so could Shearer if Labour crash so badly next year that they plead with him to come back and return them to glory in 2020.

      • millsy 17.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 10:21 am

        I am talking about throughout his career in Parliament. Being PM is a cabinet post is it not?

        • alwyn 17.1.1.1
          8 December 2016 at 10:44 am

          Perhaps my wording “They might have become Ministers later” could have been more clearly worded. It was meant in the sense of “they became Ministers later but they hadn’t been when elected”.

          Shearer could come back of course. Look at Winston. We thought he was gone in 2008. He was dead, buried and had had a stake driven through his heart.
          Then the old bugger was reincarnated in 2011. It would take more than a stake to kill the old vampire.

          You can never say that a politician is gone until you have buried them under about 20 feet of concrete.

  18. Karen 18
    8 December 2016 at 10:51 am

    Andrew Little on Nine to Noon this morning is again saying an early election is on the cards. No by-election is required if the general election is within 6 months of a MP’s resignation. With Shearer having to take up his position at the end of January that means July would be the latest it could be. I am a bit concerned about an early election but Andrew seems okay about it.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201826910/i-don't-know-what-the-centre-is-andrew-little

    Interview was fine except for a bit of snark at the beginning.

  19. Tracey 19
    8 December 2016 at 12:04 pm

    … And he is going to work for others, in service, on the ground. Not on to a plumb Board role/s, or other troughing. WHY do we keep treating those who have people at the heart like trash?

    our leaders reflect us, not matter how uncomfortable that makes us. It all starts with each of us. Our intentions, our rationalisations, our justifications and what we will accept.

    • Puckish Rogue 19.1
      8 December 2016 at 1:42 pm

      After the back stabbing he received in Labour hes probably looking forward to the peace and quiet of the South Sudan

      • Leftie 19.1.1
        8 December 2016 at 6:08 pm

        Shearer shouldn’t have been in “secret talks” with John key, that the Labour party were unaware of. key spilled the beans in parliament, much to Shearers embarrassment. No surprise that he had to resign after that. Saying he lost the confidence of his caucus was an understatement.

    • adam 19.2
      8 December 2016 at 2:25 pm

      Respectfully disagree Tracey. Our leaders are not our leaders because we can not remove them and we did not chose them. Far to many time the boys club gets to decide d who is the next bloke in charge.

      And in Shears case, he was kited into a leadership role. One for which he was quite incapable.

      Bill has banged on about this and I agree. Some people have skill sets which are needed in certain situations, and in leadership roles. That does not mean they should be “the leader” if anything, this cult of personality is one the left in particular really should get over.

      I agree David has a very god track record for the type of job he is going to go and do. Good luck to him.

      But a politician/leader of a left leaning party in New Zealand and as a constituent MP, he was not suited.

  20. weka 20
    8 December 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Painter on the roof.

    Shearer may be a decent bloke, and he may have done some good as a centrist MP, but he has never apologised for his blatant promotion of the stigmatisation culture that attacks some of the most vulnerable people in NZ, and cannot be forgiven that.

    • Karen 20.1
      8 December 2016 at 2:48 pm

      +1 Weka

    • tracey 20.2
      8 December 2016 at 4:49 pm

      Agree!

      Labour keeps trying to out National, National, instead of being different and that was an appalling example.

      For example why not BE Angry Andy

      Angry that people cant get into rentals let alone home ownership
      Angry about hip replacement waiting lists
      Angry about student loans for people who will only ever get to the median wage
      Angry at…

      Have some passion

  21. pdm 21
    8 December 2016 at 4:01 pm

    The best Leader Labour has had since Clark.

    Now he feels South Sudan a safer option.

    A huge loss for your party.

  22. Snapper 22
    8 December 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Key resigns, English becomes leader after one week, business as usual. Does anyone know what would be the process if, say, there was a Labour PM who resigned? Would there be the roadshow, how long would the process take, would the Labour PM ultimately be decided by the unions?

    • Leftie 22.1
      8 December 2016 at 6:35 pm

      Why do you think it’s business as usual? A Labour PM wouldn’t bail out before the term had ended and do a runner like John key. So your comment is irrelevant.

    • Leftie 22.2
      8 December 2016 at 6:36 pm

      Why do you think it’s business as usual? A Labour PM wouldn’t bail out before the term had ended and do a runner like John key. So your comment is irrelevant

    • alwyn 22.3
      8 December 2016 at 9:09 pm

      The answers to these questions would be
      “Does anyone know what would be the process if, say, there was a Labour PM who resigned?” NO
      “Would there be the roadshow” According to their rulebook YES,
      “how long would the process take” Two months, or if Grant R was running it about two years.,
      “would the Labour PM ultimately be decided by the unions?” Of course YES

  23. Thinkerrx 23
    8 December 2016 at 8:05 pm

    never met Shearer, so no comment on his abilities. In my opinion, he wasn’t a career politician, but governments need a balance of personalities.

    But, he is a neoliberal and I’m happiest when I see Labour moving away from the mistakes of the 1980s. Especially, now, when the world collectively realises trickle-down has robbed a generation of a better life.

  24. Thinkerr 24
    8 December 2016 at 8:10 pm

    Never met Shearer so no comment on him, personally.

    But, he is a neoliberal and I’m pleased with every small step Labour takes to distance itself from the country’s wicked experiments of the 1980s, especially now the world consensus is that neoliberalism is a failure.

  25. NixSaved 25
    8 December 2016 at 10:04 pm

    I hope Jacinda Ardern refrains from accepting the Mt.Albert nomination (by-election OR general election) if it comes her way. It seems that she developed a good understanding of the Auckland Central Electorate, she has been nibbling away at Nikki Kaye’s majority (especially in the last election, given the boundary changes) and I feel that she could win this marginal seat.
    With Mt.Albert being a safe Labour seat, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce a fresh face, some new blood, an up-and-coming candidate. Does anyone out there, know a good newbie that could fill this seat?

    • Simon 25.1
      8 December 2016 at 11:32 pm

      Arden has never won an electorate but knows she needs to if she has any hope of becoming leader. Accordingly she is interested in Mt Albert. BUT, because she has a terrible track record in terms of never winning an electorate she knows that she is at great risk because if she runs in Mt Albert and looses then she is ‘done’ politically. This would be concerning because she is a career poli will few transferable skills.

      For the Nats, they will hope she runs in Mt Albert because they would run a big campaign with a notable candidate knowing that if Ardern looses then Robinson goes too and then Labour is stuffed for another 5-10 years (until Woods is up and running??). Note that Labours issues continue to be caused by the Clark legacy.

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