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David Shearer Resigns from Labour Leadership

22 August

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By Hamish Cardwell

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David Shearer has announced that he will resign as leader of the Labour Party.

In a short-notice press conference following a Labour caucus meeting, Shearer made a statement and did not answer questions.

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*******He said that Labour had not had the post-election lift they had been wanting and he sensed that he no longer had the full confidence of his colleagues.

“From the soundings I have taken I believe it is better that I step down so we can have a clean change to a new leader who can lead Labour to victory in 2014."

He said he had waited until after the passing of the GCSB Bill as he did not want Labour to be distracted.

The new leader would have his full support.

The resignation will take effect when a new leader was decided. A process for this would begin within 48 hours and was expected to be completed in three to four weeks.

Chris Hipkins said Mr Shearer was not challenged for the leadership role.

Mr Shearer will stay on in Parliament as the MP for Mount Albert.

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See: Press release - David Shearer steps aside as Labour Leader

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ENDS

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