Labour deputy leader David Parker has officially ruled himself out of contention for the leadership of the party.
The Labour Party has issued a statement that says, "To quell media speculation, David Parker advises that he is not seeking the leadership of the Labour Party, and that he confirmed this to David Cunliffe and his other caucus colleagues yesterday.”
Further media speculation that Mr Parker might step down as deputy leader as a demonstration of no-confidence in embattled leader David Cunliffe was also hosed down. "For the time being, I remain the deputy leader of the Labour Party,” Mr Parker said.
“It remains my wish to address the issues arising from our worst election result in 92 years through party and caucus processes, which is why I have not been commenting in the media.
"My recent speech to the party congress set out my views on the way forward for the NZLP and its relevance for New Zealanders.” Mr Parker said.
In the speech, Mr Parker bemoaned what he claimed is the erosion of NZ’s egalitarian values and evoked the founders of Labour, who he said established the party 98 years ago “because they had a powerful belief in democracy, in equality, in social justice and fairness”.
Grant Robertson, former leader David Shearer and Napier upset winner Stuart Nash (great-grandson of former Prime Minister Sir Walter Nash) have refused to rule out leadership tilts.
Jacinda Ardern and former EPMU boss Andrew Little are also seen as outside contenders. However, Mr Little's situation is complicated by the fact he might lose his place in Parliament on Labour's list (just under 300,000 special votes are expected to be counted by October 4).
Nick Grant
Wed, 24 Sep 2014
Wed, 24 Sep 2014
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Parker quashes tilt talk, remains deputy – for now
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