Robertson, Jones and Cunliffe on the campaign trail 3.15PM: In the contest to choose the new leader of the Labour party David Cunliffe has narrowly achieved a majority win with gay MP David Robertson coming in second. As the campaign for the top job progressed Cunliffe emerged as the favourite with unions and the party membership, who their fellow-MPs supported was less clear. Cunliffe received 51% of the overall vote, Robertson received just on 33% and outside candidate Shane Jones attracted 16%. Under Cunliffe's predecessor, David Shearer, Robertson was deputy leader of the party. Cunliffe was the second-polling candidate when Shearer wom the leader position in 2011. Cunliffe was supported by Rainbow Labour MP Louisa Wall while Robertson was backed by Maryan Street. As deputy leader Robertson has been in the highest political position ever held by an openly gay person. There is no indication yet as to who will be chosen as Labour's deputy leader under Cunliffe.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 15th September 2013 - 3:07pm