David Shearer's shortcomings as a politician were harshly exposed during his short time as the leader of the Labour Party. On one count, however, he cannot be criticised. He knew when the game was up. "It is time for someone else to take up the challenge of leader," he said
Editorial: Shearer knew when it was time to quit
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David Shearer. Photo / David White.
The country will not know Mr Shearer's successor for a month or so. That is a consequence of a change last year which dictates the votes of the party's members and caucus will each count for 40 per cent in any leadership vote, while the vote of affiliated unions will count for 20 per cent. The obvious candidates are the experienced David Cunliffe, who seems well placed to be the prime beneficiary of the new system, and the party deputy, Grant Robertson. Neither shapes as a readymade leader who will command attention in a way that Mr Shearer could not. Both also come with substantial drawbacks.
The problems with the new voting system are that it can throw up outfield candidates and, most pertinently, result in a leader who is unpopular in the caucus. Therein lies the danger of Mr Cunliffe. The public could also quickly weary of him, despite his obvious capabilities.
Mr Robertson, for his part, would be less polarising but has little in the way of public profile. He would have to tread much the same road as Mr Shearer.
Both men are unlikely to make many changes to the policies promulgated by Mr Shearer. But both entail clear perils. In the present political environment, the risk is that neither gains a great deal more traction than Mr Shearer. If so, Labour could be in the unfortunate position of wishing for another leader as the general election looms.