Some thoughts on David Cunliffe’s withdrawal

Written By: - Date published: 2:30 pm, October 13th, 2014 - 111 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, david cunliffe, labour - Tags:

Labour national campaign launch-17

I am obviously really saddened by David’s announcement that he is withdrawing from the Labour leadership contest.  The combination of a poor electoral result, internal pressure and adverse media, created and fuelled from some within his own Parliamentary ranks, and a review of what is best for the party have caused him to reconsider and then to withdraw.

At one level I do not blame him.  It is said that being Leader of the Opposition is the worst job in politics and his reign has been particularly difficult.  He also has a young family and being put under the public scrutiny microscope, especially the way that he has, is not an enjoyable experience.

Hopefully he will take a bit of time to recover and get back on his feet.  His talents are considerable and he has a significant role still to play in the Parliamentary Labour Party.

The decision belies some of the criticism of him.  He could have won the leadership contest but the current turmoil would have continued.  His support in Auckland particularly amongst Maori and Pasifica is still huge.  He dominated the Affiliates vote at the last leadership election and would have featured highly amongst their preferences this time if he had stayed.  And you only need to read the overwhelming majority of comments on this blog to see what progressives think about him.  Clearly he is prepared to put party interests ahead of his own.

So what now for him?  He is still one of the most capable MPs Labour has.  His past successes such as getting the New Lynn rail undergrounding through against Treasury Advice and uncoupling Chorus from Telecom were significant achievements and underscore his immense abilities.

It is vital for Labour for Cunliffe to stay in Parliament to be a Senior MP and to shape the party’s future.  He can easily take on Joyce and English.

And who should the new leader be?  Someone who oversees rejuvenation in the party and ensures that caucus discipline is maintained.  And who is true to the principles of the party.  And who has the support of a majority of members.  Cunliffe has endorsed Andrew Little whose prospects now must be very good.  Andrew has been careful to hold himself apart from the factions and is someone who clearly will work to unite the party and I cannot emphasise how critical this is.

And to David Cunliffe can I suggest a short holiday to get yourself ready for the next three years.  Recent events reaffirm how important it is that the Labour Party is ready to hold this Government to account.

111 comments on “Some thoughts on David Cunliffe’s withdrawal ”

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  1. r0b 1
    13 October 2014 at 2:42 pm

    Thanks for sharing that MS, and sorry for what must have been a bruising time for you too. All the best to DC and his family, hope he takes your holiday advice.

    • mickysavage 1.1
      13 October 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Cheers r0b. Will pass that on.

      • Labour Supporter 1.1.1
        13 October 2014 at 7:04 pm

        I hope the eventual winner of the contest, keeps Cunliffe in the front bench and gives him a key role like Finance or health. Good luck Cunliffe.

  2. Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 2
    13 October 2014 at 2:44 pm

    I watched the livestream. An honourable Parliamentarian of real stature.

  3. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 3
    13 October 2014 at 2:52 pm

    And you only need to read the overwhelming majority of comments on this blog…

    Which just goes to show how far out of touch most people who comment here are.

    • You're Kidding, Right? 3.1
      13 October 2014 at 2:59 pm

      You’ve got it Fool

    • blue leopard 3.2
      13 October 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Out of touch with what, Gormless Fool?

      Key’s or the corporate spin on things?

      I would tend to view it as a simple case of not agreeing with those messages that are telling us all how and what to think and ignoring them, rather than ‘being out of touch’.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 3.2.1
        13 October 2014 at 3:18 pm

        I know: the people are stupid! They should be more like you.

        It is just this attitude which may well ensure Labour never again govern.

        • blue leopard 3.2.1.1
          13 October 2014 at 3:27 pm

          I don’t see how you can take ‘people are stupid’ out of my comment.

          I suggest you reread and you will realise that I wasn’t actually talking about ‘the people’ in general at all, I was speculating on what you possibly meant by the people who comment on the Standard being ‘out of touch’.

          Pretty simple question but one that you haven’t answered.

          • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 3.2.1.1.1
            13 October 2014 at 3:33 pm

            Out of touch with what, you ask?

            Out of touch with the role most people in NZ want the government playing in their lives.

            There is a reasonable amount of proof of this.

            • DS 3.2.1.1.1.1
              13 October 2014 at 4:53 pm

              Oh definitely. Most New Zealanders are entirely happy with a (right-wing) Government spying on them, and kicking down the door of journalists who oppose the regime (albeit if this had been done by a left-wing Government, there would be wall-to-wall Stasi comparisons).

              But heaven help a Government if it tries to regulate showerheads!

              • Cancerman …
                13 October 2014 at 6:06 pm

                Urewera Raids were committed by the left wing.

                • Molly …
                  14 October 2014 at 8:48 am

                  …and interestingly it was suggested that the information the SIS and GCSB gave to Helen Clark when asking her to authorise the raids was manufactured to some degree.

                  Unfortunately I can’t recall the source of this – could have been the documentary Operation 8 or Nicky Hagers Other People’s Wars.

                  That makes sense to me. Helen Clark usually had a tight grasp on the reality on the ground. The mistake made here, was that suggestions were made that she was a personal target for the group, and that her life was in danger from “radical protestors”.

                  A definite mistake – perhaps knowingly assisted by feeding of misinformation.

                  John Key on the other hand is involved in the manufacture of terrorism scares, and definite actions that will increase the likelihood of retaliatory acts on NZ soil.

            • blue leopard 3.2.1.1.1.2
              13 October 2014 at 9:04 pm

              @Gormless Fool

              If you define the status quo by election results, which I strongly suspect is what you are doing and is a fairly unsound basis on which to define it, then the status quo is a pretty flimsy phenomenon and shifts all the time.

              You appear to be confusing disagreement with the current status quo, for lack of awareness of it.

              I am quite comfortable to state that a disagreement with and an urge to shift a status quo that thinks voting for National is a clever or satisfactory thing to do is where a lot of my political views are focused just now. I suspect there would be others who write on the Standard who would be similar, yet I can’t speak for them.

    • whateva next? 3.3
      13 October 2014 at 6:43 pm

      Many NZers don’t need to be told what to think by Key/Media thanks mate

  4. Dorothy 4
    13 October 2014 at 2:56 pm

    The fact that John Key and the National party have made so much effort to undermine David Cunliffe
    is commentary on his abilities. A good media sector could have provided some balance but we are still waiting for that to happen!
    I look forward to David applying his considerable abilities in a senior role .

    • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.1
      13 October 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Maybe they undermined him because it was easy.

      • blue leopard 4.1.1
        13 October 2014 at 3:20 pm

        Yes it probably was, because far too many people still trust that what is written in the papers and what is broadcast on T.V is relevant, unbiased, disseminated to inform and…well…trustworthy.

      • Foreign waka 4.1.2
        13 October 2014 at 5:35 pm

        Yes, as it usually is with good, intelligent and honest people. To see any undermining of a political opponent as something that handled like a school yard brawl with an extra twist of nastiness as “choice” just shows how poor in spirit NZ has become.

        • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 4.1.2.1
          13 October 2014 at 7:23 pm

          It has always been thus, Foreign Waka.

    • Not Kidding? 4.2
      13 October 2014 at 3:15 pm

      Dorothy, Cunliffe applied his “considerable abilities” to undermining himself and the Labouring Party, no effort from the PM or National needed.

    • Martin Cudd 4.3
      13 October 2014 at 3:22 pm

      More like his own party, and his own bloopers undermined him.

    • Tautoko Mangō Mata 4.4
      13 October 2014 at 4:02 pm

      +1 Dorothy

    • Cancerman 4.5
      13 October 2014 at 6:12 pm

      The National Party will undermine ALL Labour Leaders. It is their job and vice versa. You should think how they undermined David Cunliffe so effectively?

    • whateva next? 4.6
      13 October 2014 at 6:48 pm

      Aye, second that Dorothy with loud applause

  5. hoom 5
    13 October 2014 at 3:01 pm

    Whoever wins now, all of the Caucus must get their shit together & pull in one direction, properly supporting & never undermining the new leader.
    Or GTFO of Parliament.

    Infact, I hope that with Cunliffe withdrawing & endorsing Little that one or two of the other candidates will do the same.

    • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 5.1
      13 October 2014 at 3:08 pm

      Indeed. The mark of a great person to step aside for the wider interest. Equally, others in caucus should put aside their differences, work to represent those who voted for them, hold the government to account, and get on with building the campaign to win 2017.

    • AmaKiwi 5.2
      13 October 2014 at 3:15 pm

      Why would Robertson or Parker stay in the race? With Cunliffe’s endorsement, Little should have no difficulty winning on the first ballot. It would save the party a lot of money to not have those 14 debates.

      On the other hand, never rule out the power of the ego. Robertson was resoundingly rejected by the members and affiliates 1 year ago. Who can make the case that the members and affiliates will do a U turn now and rejoicingly embrace him?

  6. Clemgeopin 6
    13 October 2014 at 3:12 pm

    I wish he had stayed, won and culled the destructive destabilisers in the caucus, worked hard in the next three years to change the fortune of Labour and become the next PM. A great loss.
    However, I understand Cunliffe’s position because of the reasons stated in this article.

    It is still not too late for this stupid disunited small minded caucus to get together once again now, cancel the leadership vote and collectively endorse Cunliffe as their preferred leader to take Labour into victory in three years time after making necessary organisational, personnel, strategic and policy changes.

    Unlikely for this to happen, I know. The buggers will not have the humility, decency or sense to do such a thing.

  7. Aaron 7
    13 October 2014 at 3:12 pm

    All this will come to nothing unless Labour gets rid of the ABCs. Little could bring the party back on track but he’ll need the benefit of Cunliffe’s recent experience to do it. I guess we’ll know when he comes to naming a shadow cabinet.

    I know I’m talking like he’s already won but honestly, who else are the unions and members going to vote for?

    • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 7.1
      13 October 2014 at 3:16 pm

      The choice is very clear to those unions and members who can see who has been playing games, who has been duplicitous and who is straight up.

    • AmaKiwi 7.2
      13 October 2014 at 3:27 pm

      Earlier today I threw my hat into the ring for the leadership. My platform is intensives group therapy for the Labour caucus and ego management therapy for most of the male members of the caucus.

      Since neither of those will happen, my optimism is restrained (to say the least).

  8. Tom Gould 8
    13 October 2014 at 3:16 pm

    There is nothing honourable about this. Self-martyrdom always looks distasteful. The entire Cunliffe leadership experience has been a massive failure. He would gain some respect had he gone quietly at the appropriate time, like Helen did. But he chose not to. Now his political career is dead. How long before he moves on?

    • AmaKiwi 8.1
      13 October 2014 at 3:34 pm

      @ Tom Gould (8)

      1. David Cunliffe is HUGELY respected. He fought hard against enemies in the caucus as well as the media and opposition but retains widespread support amongst the members.
      2. Helen left after 9 years as PM, during which she made enormous changes. Cunliffe has not had a chance to try to bring about the changes he thinks are essential.

    • Anne 8.2
      13 October 2014 at 3:42 pm

      @ Tom Gould
      I have filed your comment and will regurgitate it for Standard consumption when Cunliffe sits at the top end of the top table as a “very important cabinet minister”. Umm – Finance portfolio concentrating on regional development?

      • the pigman 8.2.1
        14 October 2014 at 12:20 am

        Anne, I’ve been noting his comments for a while.. Tom G. is one of the long-time Cunliffe-undermining/Robertson-supporting types.. hopefully he nominates for Waimakariri next election 😀

    • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 8.3
      13 October 2014 at 4:07 pm

      “nothing honourable” – that was on full display a couple of days ago:

      http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/thenation/interview-labour-mp-david-shearer-2014101112

      • the pigman 8.3.1
        14 October 2014 at 12:44 am

        I love Cpt. Mumblefuck’s inept media presentation in that interview, but the winning part is his logic/reasoning. “We set up these democratic procedures [which I personally voted against and if the Party votes for someone caucus doesn’t like it’ll be divisive and it’ll create a ‘tear’ because we’ll raise hell and fuck them over and undermine them which I and others did throughout the election campaign]” (inferring quite a lot of subtext, but what a ridiculous piece of logical acrobatics).

        Fuck that guy man, whoever becomes leader needs to kick all these baboons and motherfuckers out…

    • Skinny 8.4
      13 October 2014 at 4:18 pm

      You need to add balance he was undermined by the beltway at head office. During the campaign they tried unsuccessfully to send GR to a leaders debate. In the end we flagged that option, when I spoke to DC’s leadership team when he was in our city next, they knew nothing of an invitation. He battled against National and some within his own party. These freaks never wanted a Labour win, their battle was internal. The axe needs too chop out these pricks too aswell as quite a few dead end MP’s.

  9. The Pink Postman 9
    13 October 2014 at 3:45 pm

    Unfortunatly the political Right have won this time.The fact is they were terrified of Cunliffe .The attacks on him were a disgracer and just show what a dirty lot the Nats and their mates are .Their whole objective in life is power and money and to subjugate working people . Their attacks will now be transfered to Andrew Little just watch the new media switch the personal attacks on Little .In fact we saw the start just a couple of days ago when the Herald rag pointed out that Little was “only”a list MP.
    I urge all people of the Left to defend all our candidates let us members decide who our leader should be . If those creeps on the Right wish to tell us who should be the Labour Party leader .well. let them cough up pay a joining fee ,better still let them also make a decent donation to our head office ,That or shut up you nasty lot.

    • SHG 9.1
      13 October 2014 at 3:52 pm

      Terrified? Cunliffe was National’s dream Labour leader.

      • felix 9.1.1
        13 October 2014 at 4:00 pm

        Nope, that was Shearer.

        • SHG 9.1.1.1
          13 October 2014 at 6:17 pm

          With the exception of the “Rufus Paynter” episode Shearer’s greatest weakness as Leader was that he just wasn’t very mediagenic. But you can learn that stuff. You can learn how to speak on camera.

          Cunliffe on the other hand just makes braindead errors of judgement over and over and over again. That’s why National supporters loved David Cunliffe; they could rely on him to do something incomprehensibly stupid just as the public and media attention were starting to move on from, well, the last incomprehensibly stupid thing he did.

          • BM 9.1.1.1.1
            13 October 2014 at 7:03 pm

            Yep, he certainly was good at that, Cunliffe will be sorely missed.

            • Colonial Rawshark 9.1.1.1.1.1
              14 October 2014 at 12:36 am

              LOL Cunliffe is exiting and you guys are still pouring scorn on him. It’s almost funny how scared shitless you guys are by him.

              • SHG …
                14 October 2014 at 12:32 pm

                Scared shitless? All over NZ today there are National supporters crying into their coffee. A Labour leader with an ego that inexplicably compels him to do the worst thing at the worst time over and over again is something that doesn’t come along very often.

      • Lanthanide 9.1.2
        13 October 2014 at 4:15 pm

        That’s why he beat Key in the debates, according to political commentators?

        • Cancerman 9.1.2.1
          13 October 2014 at 6:15 pm

          Yeah he beat Key in the debates and the public still didn’t like him. Understand the public did not like him. It’s like Kerry vs Bush. The public didn’t like Kerry.

          • Rodel 9.1.2.1.1
            13 October 2014 at 7:35 pm

            And Bush’s legacy continues…. with Key at last able to supply the fodder…..Boy the logic astounds me.

  10. Brutus Iscariot 10
    13 October 2014 at 4:01 pm

    Well, his tactics in the last few weeks have partially succeeded.

    He has seen off the undemocratic anointing of Grant Robertson as leader, whom he may well have a strong personal antipathy against given events over the last three years, and in fact by “suckering” Parker into the race by digging in for so long, has all but torpedoed Robertson’s hopes.

    Given the election result, he’s played what few cards he’s had quite well (though it might not appear so).

  11. repateet 11
    13 October 2014 at 4:18 pm

    Thoughts on Cunliffe’s withdrawal?

    One good thing for David Cunliffe is that he’ll be able to relax a bit and live a bit more of a normal life.

    He could maybe reflect on Winston Churchill, particularly, “Bessie, you’re ugly. And tomorrow morning I’ll be sober, but you’ll still be ugly.”

    If he shows the charity he should tomorrow morning, he can consider that while his dream is gone, that one of his haters and tormenters, Cameron Slater, will still be a sociopath with his particular maladies and afflictions.

    • Colonial Rawshark 11.1
      14 October 2014 at 12:43 am

      He could maybe reflect on Winston Churchill, particularly, “Bessie, you’re ugly. And tomorrow morning I’ll be sober”

      I believe the true version of the quote stops there – it makes the point without saying it.

  12. AmaKiwi 12
    13 October 2014 at 4:32 pm

    Am I the only one who thinks to continue this leadership contest is a waste of time and scarce Labour party money?

    • greywarshark 12.1
      13 October 2014 at 5:00 pm

      Who cares. Take bets on it in Ipredict and see if you can make money from it that will at least be some good out of this bad sport ultimate fight.

  13. phillip ure 13
    13 October 2014 at 4:33 pm

    gordon mclaughlan said labour are a ‘rabble’..

    ..’a disorganised/uncohesive rabble’..

  14. kiwisaver 14
    13 October 2014 at 4:43 pm

    All the very best to David Cunliffe and his fabulous wife. We all know who Karen is now and hope he knows how lucky he is. I’m amazed at how he held his composure against media and colleagues and admire him for that and his principled position to step down.
    Yes he made boobs in the midst of an insane election campaign, and like all of us has no doubt learned from them. I think voters ran screaming to John Key in fear, most of which he engineered and orchestrated.
    Labour really has to take it to National now and the next leader has to point out relentlessly TeamKeys many faults. as well as plug Labours core do unto others and great record in government over the years.
    I’m one of the recent joiners and I look forward to Labour rediscovering its working and caring mojo for all Kiwis. I believe that Labour have to distance themselves from National so they’re not seen as just like National.
    So no to TPPA, and deepsea oildrilling and war with Iraq etc .

  15. greywarshark 15
    13 October 2014 at 4:58 pm

    It was probably wise to step down. Poisoned chalice thing. And that old saying about spoiling things for others by ‘poisoning the well’. It would be hard to do much with such a gang behind you.

  16. Jenny Kirk 16
    13 October 2014 at 5:19 pm

    I am really sorry David C has stood down, but I can understand it. He has put up with an extraordinary amount of malice from his own “side” – undermining him with their leaks to various media and WhaleOil – while combating MSM forever finding fault or deliberately misinterpreting his comments. This is just the sort of stuff that David Lange had to contend with, and I believe it eventually affected his health. I did not want to see that happen with David Cunliffe so I personally think he’s made the right decision for him – but it is not necessarily the right decision for either the Party or the country. We need people of his calibre to lead us. The Party is the poorer for having now lost his leadership. Kia kaha, DC.

    • Karen 16.1
      13 October 2014 at 5:23 pm

      +100 Jenny. You have expressed my feelings exactly.

    • Chooky Shark Smile 16.2
      13 October 2014 at 5:34 pm

      +100 Jenny…it was the right decision for himself and his family

      …the Labour caucus should hang their head in shame for their lack of loyalty and support ….as should the msm for their constant undermining and bias and endorsement of the right wing spinners

      • Skinny 16.2.1
        13 October 2014 at 6:36 pm

        Nicely put Jenny & Chooky.

        DC can hold his head up proud knowing he had Key worried, but plenty of things outside his control worked against him. He will be back cream rises to the top. There is only one way for National now and it’s all down hill.

        • Rodel 16.2.1.1
          13 October 2014 at 7:38 pm

          Sorry Skinny-It’s not cream. It’s ‘scum’ rises to the top- obvious in National and soon to be seen in Labour. Well already apparent actually.

    • LynWiper 16.3
      13 October 2014 at 8:09 pm

      +100 Jennyn& Skinny

  17. Sabine 17
    13 October 2014 at 5:27 pm

    Labour is not going to take anything to National. It has not got the discipline for it. It took nothing to National since they won. New Zealand does not have a left, it has a bunch of lost puppies trying to win a cutesy competition.

    DC – I am resigning fom the Leadership, I am running to gain the Leadership but then I am resigning from running for the Leadership. And please all you plebs that are members please vote for Mr. Little …….the man that will not answer questions

    sorry guys, but this Party should be laid to rest.

  18. SeanExile 18
    13 October 2014 at 5:53 pm

    I am very pleased that David finally has put the party ahead of his ego. he has known that he couldn’t win for sometime.
    The best he can do now is to have a chat with Mr Key and get a position far from Wellington. No way Mr Key would oblige but.

    he steered our party in the wrong direction and we paid the price for it at the last election. Now this chapter closes and we will set out a new direction one that is more aligned with the voters of New Zealand.

    • Colonial Rawshark 18.1
      13 October 2014 at 7:00 pm

      LOL – come on man, we weren’t all born yesterday. Grant Robertson, David Parker and the rest of the front bench are totally shirking their role in the last 2 election disasters for Labour.

      Why would you ignore that? Cunliffe is the only one who has taken personal responsibility here.

  19. newsense 19
    13 October 2014 at 5:55 pm

    Little seems like a ‘Waitak Man’ option? Has ABC backing? And C backing?

  20. Mark 20
    13 October 2014 at 6:17 pm

    What a great day. Another nail in the coffin of that old relic, the New Zealand Labour Party. Little has all the charm of ???. Christ he makes Shearer seem coherent. Rebranding is what is needed. National has a nice ring to it.

    • Chooky Shark Smile 20.1
      13 October 2014 at 6:41 pm

      Mark lol….and Mana should rebrand to ManaLabour/ Int!.

      …Hone for Prime Minister….and Laila Deputy, Minister of Justice

      ….and Russell, Minister of Finance and the Environment

      ….and Metiria Minister of Education and Broadcasting and Social Welfare

      ….Winnie as Minister of Foreign Affairs

    • whateva next? 20.2
      13 October 2014 at 6:45 pm

      Any politicians who see Whalebile as a useful tool are not statesmen. Yes, we are in a dark period where this style is thriving, but it won’t be for ever, so calm yourself my man

  21. les 21
    13 October 2014 at 7:29 pm

    any merit in Harveys suggestion ..a new name ,bold,progressive step or electicide?

  22. Clemgeopin 22
    13 October 2014 at 7:30 pm

    I just received this email sent to all members:

    Moira Coatsworth, Labour President
    19:01 (25 minutes ago)

    Dear Clem,

    Today David has announced that he will not nominate for the Labour Party leadership.

    The Labour Party warmly acknowledges David and his leadership over the last year. We thank him for taking up the role of Leader of the Opposition, usually described as the hardest role in politics, with determination and energy. We particularly note David’s unwavering commitment to Labour and to fighting for a better New Zealand throughout his term as Leader of the Labour Party.

    David worked with Party members and the public with passion, giving his best, campaigning around New Zealand throughout the past year, and especially during an extraordinary and challenging election campaign.

    The Party thanks David for his commitment during his term as 14th leader of the Labour Party, and also acknowledges and thanks his family for their support.

    Warm regards,

    Moira Coatsworth
    Labour Party President

  23. Clemgeopin 23
    13 October 2014 at 9:14 pm

    Music symbolising melancholy of disappointment in Cunliffe leaving the leadership contest:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eteUUZ8U4Bs

    • karol 23.1
      13 October 2014 at 9:28 pm

      It was the time of the preacher, in the year of O-one,
      When they thought it was over, it’d only just begun.

  24. phillip ure 24
    13 October 2014 at 9:30 pm

    ok..i’m gonna call it..

    ..i think it was gutless of cunliffe to stand down..

    ..(he doesn’t even have the balls clark had..)

    ..he has both the intellectual clout and communication skills to ride this out..

    ..and he is/was the best person for the job ahead..

    ..so why the fuck did he wimp out..?

    ..and it is a total slap in the face/piss on the feet to those in labour who fought so hard to give him their/his mandate..

    ..(i am not even a member of labour who voted for him..but i am pissed off on their behalf..

    ..blah!-blah!-spin about ‘party-unity’ to one side..

    ..a lot of those who supported cunliffe will be feeling really used/confused..about now..

    ..asking themselves ‘why the fuck did i bother..?’..he won’t even stand up to fight..?..)

    ..and ‘um!/urm!/ah!’ little is the answer/solution to labours’ problems..eh..?

    ..oh well..!..labour have got three long years to regret that one..eh..?

    …then you can roll him..eh..?

    ..and ardern should be ready by then..

    ..and so it goes..

    ..and if little does as expected..and drags labour even further right..(and just ignores the poor..etc..etc..)

    ..that will just compound that treachery from cunliffe..

    ..he will become little more than a distasteful footnote in the history of the labour party..

    ..as the man who sold out his supporters..

    ..(for his ministerial ambitions..)

    ..in the twilight times of the party..

  25. ankerawshark 25
    13 October 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Mickey Savage please pass on to David and his family that I believe I am one of many who has total support for him.

    I am gutted that he has stood down. I know it will likely be better for him and his family.

    I will stay in the Labour Party to elect Andrew Little. If Little doesn’t give DC a very senior post, I am out of here.

  26. georgecom 26
    13 October 2014 at 10:22 pm

    Cunliffe pulled out. Time for Shearer to say he wont stand either. Both former leaders can retire from the contest. Appointment of Little as leader, make a genuine effort to meld the groups together and focus on bringing some discipline and focus back to the party. Parker may still make a good deputy leader.

  27. Jan 27
    13 October 2014 at 11:19 pm

    As a member wo has worked both for and with the Labour Party for 30 years, a good part of my adult life, i am incensed that a couple of dozen people can ruin it for me and others like me. Because thats all it is – about 22 or 23 losers who can’t stand on their own feet, who refused to take notice of us members wanting to elect the lesder of the party – that diminishes their own self-importance – and who decied they were not going to be told what to do by the rabble. Never mind the working class folk who founded the party, never mind all the hours and hours of work, commitment and money we poured into the party – they don’t personally like a man so lets ignore the members’ wishes and drive him out !

    All this talk about unity, values, forward- thinking popular policies, moving to the right/left/centre, re-connecting with ordinary Kiwis, listening to people is just that – talk! We HAD all that, and we’ve just had an election when all that was supposed to be the norm, so what the hell were those few malcontents doing ? As little as possible in many cases for the party and plenty for themselves.

    Your comments were heartfelt Mickey and some of the sick spite shown here by some trolls just reinforces what is wong with our society now. To be clear – i want David Cunliffe as leader of our party and as i am being denied that my time, my energy, my passion, my commitment, my money are no longer available.

    Before some troll says it for me – yes i am throwing my toys out of the cot – at my age i am entitled.

    • Clemgeopin 27.1
      14 October 2014 at 12:15 am

      Jan, I feel for you as I feel the same.
      Many of the members in the Labour caucus are complete shits. They are too proud and think too much of themselves, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in pay, and don’t care a damn about the members or the reputation and viability of the party. Bastards. they don’t need to support Cunliffe for whatever valid reason they have, but they should have done so in private in their caucus meetings and had no business doing so in public bringing the party into disrepute.

      Every one of the caucus member who spoke in public on air, TV or the MSM undermining Cunliffe or the party should be kicked out if possible or sent to the back bench with no mercy. I can think of at least five such selfish clueless disruptive traitorous fools who masquerade as ‘respected’ senior MPs! Scum.

  28. Ron 28
    14 October 2014 at 12:29 am

    All this effort and still no one will speak up why caucus hates DC so much. I note that Fenton proclaimed that she would one day tell all about DC well that’s what I understood from her comment. How could anyone have so much public dislike of another human and not be willing to say why? Strange indeed

    • Colonial Rawshark 28.1
      14 October 2014 at 1:01 am

      You are right. It is totally strange.

      I suspect because it is actually 10% about DC, and 90% about themselves. From the general behaviour of the perps involved, that would seem to be about right.

      • phillip ure 28.1.1
        14 October 2014 at 6:42 am

        @ colonial..it is added to that other mystery..

        ..just why bradford so opposed the int/mana hook-up..?

        ..all we have heard to date is that ‘he is rich’..(!)..

        ..i have never heard a reasoned argument as to ‘why?’..

        ..and yep..!..bradford pulling her skills/crew from that campaign hurt that campaign..

        ..and contributed to the defeat..

        ..this is why i feel mana supporters deserve the ‘why?’..

        ..and not just in emotive ‘he’s rich!’ non-reasons..

        ..and yep..!..just why this hatred for cunliffe..?

        ..it is mystery..

        ..what is the actual/real reason..?

        ..did he sleep with all their girfriends/boyfriends..?

        ..it seems to have that level of intensity..

        • Clean_power 28.1.1.1
          14 October 2014 at 6:51 am

          @phillip ure: did you also become a KDC supporter? Or you pretended not to see his financial arrangements and propping of your beloved Mana?

        • Halcyon 28.1.1.2
          14 October 2014 at 9:04 pm

          phillip, I would suggest that you would have answers to most of your questions if you read more widely, observed more and spoke less.

          While the answers are not printed out in primer form, they are there. You just need to read between the lines.

          “He is rich” may be the presenting comment but I would suggest underlying that is that Bradford realised DotCom was only using Mana. His agenda was not driven be a caring for the poor. His agenda was driven by self protection. And Bradford is not the sort of person who will tolerate being used.

          While i do not agree with Bradford on most issues I do respect her as a person. She is true to her ideals.

          • phillip ure 28.1.1.2.1
            14 October 2014 at 9:36 pm

            and mana was ‘using’ dotcom..

            ..it was an alliance..

            ..you are using ‘using’ as emotive bullshit..

            ..and that answers none of the question i asked..

            ..and like i said..her pulling her skills/crew from that campaign hurt that campaign..

            ..and contributed to the loss for harawira..

            ..so i think we deserve an answer to that most basic of questions..

            ..just why she was not willing to give it a go..

            ..what were her reasons for unilateral dismissal of the very idea..?

            ..right from the get-go..

  29. philj 29
    14 October 2014 at 8:12 am

    xox
    Traitors and treachery. ho hum …. business as usual in Labour?
    I recollect Bill Rowling having similar issues.

  30. Mike 30
    14 October 2014 at 3:46 pm

    What a load of rubbish. Cunliffe is a major part of Labours failed campaign. To refer to posters on this site is also a joke as you are all so stuck up and a bunch of hypocrites. Cunliffe needs to get out of politics totally for the sake of his family. He is an arrogant, un liked, self centred person who will lead a coup against the new leader in a years time.

    [lprent: You have made a series of assertions. However you haven’t provided any links or even logic to support them.

    You are just another stupid troll with a lack of ability to use your brain. I guess that is because you spend all your time jerking off on your micro-sized dick that the blood never gets to the teeny retarded brain.

    Hey, I can make unfounded assertions as well. I suspect mine are more accurate than yours ]

  31. Brian 31
    15 October 2014 at 4:00 pm

    Personally, I am saddened he has withdrawn from the leadership contest. Damn shame there even is one.

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