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LequteMan
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NEW Zealand Labour Party leader David Shearer has announced today that he is stepping down at a hastily arranged press conference after a meeting of the Labour Party caucus.
His departure comes after his party failed to make serious inroads to the popularity of current Prime Minister John Key and his National Party.
"It has been my privilege to lead the Labour Party over the last 20 months and I'm proud of the gains we've made in that time," He said.
"But we need to do more. We haven't had the lift that we have been wanting.”
"My sense is that I no longer have the full confidence of my caucus colleagues."
He left the room afterwards without answering any questions.
He made the announcement flanked by senior MPs - but his deputy, Grant Robertson, was noticeably absent.
His resignation will come into effect when a new Party leader is chosen.
Senior whip Chris Hipkins would not say if there had been a leadership challenge or if Shearer’s deputy, Mr Robertson has stepped down.
A Labour press secretary however confirmed the deputy leadership has not changed.
His departure comes after his party failed to make serious inroads to the popularity of current Prime Minister John Key and his National Party.
"It has been my privilege to lead the Labour Party over the last 20 months and I'm proud of the gains we've made in that time," He said.
"But we need to do more. We haven't had the lift that we have been wanting.”
"My sense is that I no longer have the full confidence of my caucus colleagues."
He left the room afterwards without answering any questions.
He made the announcement flanked by senior MPs - but his deputy, Grant Robertson, was noticeably absent.
His resignation will come into effect when a new Party leader is chosen.
Senior whip Chris Hipkins would not say if there had been a leadership challenge or if Shearer’s deputy, Mr Robertson has stepped down.
A Labour press secretary however confirmed the deputy leadership has not changed.
