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New Labour Leader David Shearer and his new deputy Grant Robertson arrive for today's press conference See more images below

• Scoop Audio (11 Minutes): New Labour Leader David Shearer's Press Conference Today

David Shearer held his first press conference as Labour leader today after the caucus has elected him to replace Phil Goff. Grant Robertson will be deputy leader with Chris Hipkins and Darien Fenton as whips.

Shearer said he will discuss portfolios with his colleagues and that he had not promised anyone positions during campaign.

He paid credit to the outgoing leaders and his opponents for the leadership, saying the MPs had left the caucus "more unified and more energised than when we went in".

He had secured a mandate for change in the party with his campaign. "I am a fresh face for Labour and I represent a fresh start for New Zealand."

"We must grow the member ship, we must grow its relevance and we must, must make the Labour Party a big tent not a small one." He was very happy with the "progressive" policies Labour took to the election campaign and has a vision of a "clean, green, clever New Zealand".

He called on the Prime Minister to extend the committee on poverty across Parliament. "I've battled poverty all over the world. There is no excuse for poverty like that in New Zealand."

He said he wanted to make a difference. "Being the leader of the Labour Party is the best way to make a difference for New Zealanders. Being Prime Minister is a better way."

• Scoop Video (11 Minutes): Youtube Video on demand of David Shearer's press conference today.

• Scoop Image:More images from today's press conference.

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