Justice spokesman takes job with Helen Clark at the UN in New York. The one-time high-flyer found himself on the wrong side of the Shearer-Cunliffe leadership spat.

David Shearer has again faced down his rival, David Cunliffe (pictured above). Now he must decide what to do with him. One model is that used by Labour leader Helen Clark in early 1996.

MPs will vote in a leadership review in February. 

OPENING SALVO A week ago I argued David Cunliffe represented less risk to Labour’s 2014 prospects than Shearer. But after Cunliffe's incredible antics this week – the ridiculously facile answers to the media, the smarm, the smirking, the fake wounded innocence, the bizarre victim mentality – my view is reversed.

Former Labour party president Mike Williams says David Cunliffe will likely take the top job in time.