LGFA's Craig Stobo comments: "There has been so much change in the Labour shadow Cabinet that it is difficult to remember who does what". Dame Alison Paterson says: "Unfortunately, they have not had the chance to shine". This also applies directly to Cunliffe with a CEO saying: "He has hardly been visible and has no track record."
Elsewhere, some CEOs are dismissive of the entire Opposition front bench: "Just an appalling list of performers." One CEO suggests Labour suffers from a lack of renewal saying: "The old guard needs to move on."
Cunliffe's background may make him capable of speaking the language of business, but he has yet to impress the nation's CEOs. Taking the Labour Party into an election against a formidable opponent was never going to be easy. It doesn't help that Cunliffe is the third leader in three years.
Some CEOs express concern about the leadership selection process that brought Cunliffe to the fore. EMA's Kim Campbell: "The Labour leadership struggles leave one unsure of how they may perform in Government." Another CEO worries that Cunliffe is too close to the forces that supported him in the leadership contest, in particular the unions: "How out of step with modern political imperatives."
There have been questions about Cunliffe's personality since before he became leader.
Comments from CEOs echo questions raised by his opponents both inside and outside the Labour Party: Cunliffe "lacks authenticity"; "is able to communicate what he believes constituents want to hear but that seems to change too often"; and "apologising for being a man was one of the most ridiculous things". That last refers to a widely reported comment Cunliffe made at a at a Women's Refuge symposium.
One CEO sees both the good and bad in Cunliffe's personality: "I suspect we will never see how good he could be as he lacks appeal as a leader. His obsession with using 'I', 'me' and 'mine' wherever possible are clear indications he is not a team player." Another prefers Cunliffe to those who went before: "David Shearer not in leadership is brilliant."
Some see positives in the man: "Nice guy but seems to blunder on lots of things. Given more time and less pandering to groups he could emerge into something good, but not yet."
That may never happen. Most CEOs are unwilling to give Cunliffe a second chance if he fails at the ballot box this year.
When asked who would make the best leader if Labour loses the election, 32 per cent of CEOs named Robertson while only 13 per cent named Cunliffe.
One CEO sums up the problem: "Cunliffe is a bright person. Unfortunately he is another sacrificial lamb to the Labour Party slaughter. The next Labour prime minister is not in caucus. They are advised to send out a search party - pronto."
