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Former Labour MP Dover Samuels says the Labour party and MPs need to drop their factional in-fighting and pick a leader who will connect with ordinary working New Zealanders.
Three candidates have put up their hands to succeed David Shearer as party leader: Shane Jones, Grant Robertson and David Cunliffe.
Mr Cunliffe’s nomination form was signed by Nanaia Mahuta, who lined up to be his deputy in 2011, and Manurewa MP Louisa Wall was among those at his announcement.
Mr Samuels says it’s time for Labour to get away from identity politics and listen to the aspirations of the electorate.
"Start looking at re-establishing a Labour brand. In other words, start listening to the people rather than looking at themselves, factionalising themselves and having a mana munching exercise amongst these factions, and if they don't do that, they will never ever become government again," he says.
Mr Samuels says middle New Zealander has been doing it tough under National, and it will respond if Labour shows it has a credible alternative.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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