Grant Robertson seemed to grab the early attention by announcing he is standing for the Labour leadership first. However, Cunliffe seems to be taking a more considered approach. Expectation is mounting – news is dripping out that he intends to make an announcement in his electorate at 2.30pm this afternoon…. there’s a certain amount of tension developing around this: surely he will stand….. or won’t he?
The MSM reporting on the launch of the leadership contest, had most jonolists stating that Robertson was the early frontrunner. But on what evidence? The vote is to be by the wider membership, and Robertson’s support seems to be largely with some of his caucus colleagues. It has not yet appeared in any popularity polls.
Andrea Vance and Vernon Small on the expected announcement from Cunliffe this afternoon:
David Cunliffe is expected to throw his hat in the ring this afternoon for the Labour party’s leadership.
The leadership race was sparked by David Shearer’s surprise resignation on Thursday, following stubbornly low polls for the party.
Deputy leader Grant Robertson put his hand up last night, and Shane Jones has now also confirmed his intention to run.
Auckland sources said Cunliffe’s announcement was likely at 2.30pm in New Lynn but so far he has not confirmed that.
The MP has played a careful hand so far, leaving it to his rivals Robertson and Jones to come out of the blocks early.
The momentum seems to be building for Cunliffe after a TVNZ-Colmar Brunton poll yesterday showed him with with almost three times the support of his nearest rival Robertson on 10 per cent. Jones was slightly ahead of Robertson on 11 per cent.
There are also signs that the so-called anti-Cunliffe faction in the caucus is waning, with some leading lights now indicating they have an open mind on who would be the best leader.
I will be watching the leadership contest, not just to see who will win, but how they will win. I am hoping Cunliffe’s caution is showing a well-planned approach, while keeping in mind that it could be a platform for, not only the 2014 election, but for how a Labour-led government will be managed.
Disclaimer: I am a Cunliffe electorate voter, for reasons I explained here.
Cunliffe’s webpages here, showing a certain amount of awareness of the importance of digital communications.
I will update this post later after the anticipated announcement. I will be looking to see how it is pitched and managed.
[Update] “new hope, new vision, new beginning”, is the slogan the above linked Stuff article is now attributing to Cunliffe’s bid. The updated article now says (h/t Bunji):
Cunliffe will hold a media conference at his New Lynn office at 2.30pm to announce his bid, which includes the slogan “new hope, new vision, new beginning”.
So far, the considered approach seems worth the time taken.
[Updates….] Surrounded by women, especially Pasifika women, Cunliffe announced he is standing for Labour leader. Iain lees galloway and Nanaia Mahuta signed the nomination forms. Paddy Gower lead the media questioning, trying to show himself as a touch and challenging Jonolist journalist. Sue Moroney, Louisa Wall, Carole Beaumont in support. Moana Mackay and Su’a William Sio caught in traffic on the way from South auckland, sent support.
Report from New Lynn, coming up….. (and I’ll see if any of my pics are publishable).
Report from New Lynn:
I wasn’t sure if I was going to be allowed into the announcement, but I just joined behind the group of people walking with Sue Moroney and I was in, to a very crowded room.
Cunliffe delivered his speech, seated. he was emphatic, and animated
Cunliffe was pretty good at responding to difficult questions. Gower challenged him over living in a rich street, his “arrogance” etc. Cunliffe said it was up to his caucus, under the newest rules, to select a deputy. Asked if, under the STV system he would endorse either Robertson or Jones, Cunliffe said that’s up to voters. However, he did say more than once, that Robertson should have a senior position. No mention of Jones in the senior team.
Cunliffe said it was very unlikely that a Green MP would have the finance portfolio in a Labour led government – pretty much ruled it out.
Asked if a Cunliffe led government would raise taxes, Cunliffe said that it would be possible, but he wouldn’t commit to details. He said that Labour was for a progressive tax system, and those who gained a big share of money should pay a fair share of taxes.
A journalist stated that Cunliffe had shifted from the right of the party in the Clark government, to being championed by the left. Gower asked if Labour would take a Labour government to the left. Cunliffe said “left” was a matter of interpretation. He would implement core Labour values – support for hard working Kiwis, and those on low incomes, as well as decreasing the wealth/income gap.
Asked what his message was to John Key, Cunliffe said something about him looking forward to packing his bag for a long stay in Hawaii.
Cunliffe painting left of photo below:
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