David Cunliffe stands down as NZ Labour leader but will stand again

Version 0 of 1.

David Cunliffe has stood down as leader of New Zealand’s Labour party but will contest the leadership.

He made the announcement after a party council meeting in Auckland on Saturday.

Cunliffe’s resignation will be effective from Tuesday, but he says he will put himself forward for a leadership contest.

He had wanted to continue leading Labour despite a crushing defeat in the 20 September election but has been under pressure to stand aside.

Support within the 32-member caucus is believed to have dwindled to fewer than six.

Grant Robertson is the frontrunner to succeed Cunliffe with Jacinda Ardern as deputy leader.