Cunliffe has been roundly criticised for resigning as leader but then deciding to contest the leadership. Photo / NZH
David Cunliffe handled himself well during the televised leaders' debates prior to the election. He was a good match for Prime Minister John Key and appeared a seasoned campaigner.
But, as we know, it didn't work.
Instead, Labour suffered its worst election defeat in 92 years. It was an embarrassing
loss but it is easy to blame the defeat solely on Cunliffe. The party was hammered in the party vote which reflects a general disillusionment with the party and its MPs, who have lost their way after years of cloak-and-dagger politics and infighting, and a lack of strong leadership.
The party needs to recognise this if it is to have any hope of winning back support. There are few signs this has happened in the immediate aftermath of the election. The party also needs to ensure it completes its full review of what went wrong and seek answers.
Cunliffe has been roundly criticised for resigning as leader but then deciding to contest the leadership. The decision has destabilised the party even further and the caucus needs to assess whether his decision is based on self-interest or a determination to resurrect Labour as a political force.
