House Cleaning: Labour Leadership Caucus Press Conference

Tuesday, 20 November 2012, 7:12 pm
Article: 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".

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.

Mr Cunliffe is glimpsed entering

The Leader and Deputy Leader enter through the press throng

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

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

ENDS

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