Adding a new twist to the power struggle in New Zealand's Labour Party, David Cunliffe, party's top leader has declared his withdrawal from the race to the Parliamentary Party leader position. Though Mr. Cunliffe pulled out of the race, he openly endorsed another candidate Mr. Andrew Little to the post. Cunliffe was isolated in the party and forced out by the party caucus making him own up the responsibility for the party's humiliating election drubbing.

Though very vocal about re-contesting and leading the party again, Mr. Cunliffe had been maintaining a tactical silence in the past few days, reported Stuff.Co. Nz.

A four-cornered race was building up amongst David Cunliffe, Grant Robertson, Andrew Little and acting leader David Parker. Tuesday is the last day for filing nominations for the contest and results are expected on Nov. 18.

Hard Decision

Announcing his withdrawal at a press conference in Auckland, Mr. Cunliffe said he will remain an MP. Describing it a hard decision, taken in the best interests of the Labour Party, Cunliffe said the Labour party needed a united face.

Mr. Cunliffe said, "I am withdrawing yet I am supporting Andrew Little's bid for the leadership. I respect Andrew for his integrity and believe he is the right man for the job." At the same time, he made it clear that there has been no deal between the two. In the last contest, Mr. Cunliffe had the massive support of unions, but this time, much of it is expected to swing to Mr Little instead, reported NZ Herald. Cunliffe's withdrawal and subsequent endorsement may bolster Mr. Little's chances because of the support that might come from Cunliffe's base which include Auckland, Pacific Island community and Dairy workers' industry.

Welcoming Cunliffe's endorsement, Mr. Little said he is happy at the senior leader's endorsement and support. But there is hard work ahead to win the confidence of the party, affiliates and the caucus. The other contestant Robertson said he is confident of the broad support in the caucus. He noted that all the candidates are rich in different merits. It is a preferential ballot, so partymen will rank the candidates in the order of their preference. He sounded confident that there will be increased support from MPs, party and the unions. Meanwhile, former Labour leader David Shearer announced his decision not to join the race, despite rumours to the contrary .

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