I have nothing to hide, says Cunliffe

Cunliffe says he cannot be held personally responsible for issues predating his leadership of Labour. Photo / NZ Herald

Labour Party leader David Cunliffe insisted this morning he was doing a good job, and claimed this week's revelations about support from businessman Donghua Liu have galvanised support for the party.

The Nation host Lisa Owen grilled Mr Cunliffe over his party's relationship with the political donor, who in April admitted charges of assaulting a woman and assault with intent to injure.

It was revealed this week that Mr Liu donated $15,000 at a Labour auction for a book signed by former prime minister Helen Clark.

"I have nothing to hide, nothing to be ashamed of," Mr Cunliffe told Owen. "I'm doing a good job [as leader]."

Cunliffe said he could not be held personally responsible for issues predating his leadership of Labour.

Cunliffe challenged Prime Minister John Key to present further evidence of support Mr Liu had provided to Labour.

If such evidence existed, Mr Cunliffe said, "The PM should put it on the table."

Lisa Owen forced Mr Cunliffe to address poor polling results - in particular, Cunliffe's ranking at less than 10% as preferred Prime Minister, and Labour's less than 30% party support.

Mr Cunliffe said a Monday poll had actually put Labour support over 30%.

Mr Cunliffe also denied he had damaged Parliament's left wing bloc, despite criticism from Mana leader Hone Harawira.