Goff steps down as Labour leader after election drubbing

Tuesday 29th November 2011

Phil Goff has stepped down as leader of New Zealand’s main opposition Labour Party after its drubbing in last weekend’s election with the loss of nine seats.

Goff’s resignation is effective Dec. 13. Labour’s seats in the parliament fell to 34 from 43 as the ruling National Party reaped its biggest share of the vote in 60 years.

Labour will concentrate “on moving forward in a united way” and the party had not yet decided on who would replace him, Goff said.

When asked if he had any regrets, Goff said he’d “like to have been Prime Minister.”

Deputy leader Annette King also announced she will be standing down in a fortnight. Both will remain as members of parliament.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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