Press Release
Michael Cullen
Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary New Zealand Labour Party

Michael Cullen said today that he is standing down as Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary New Zealand Labour Party.

"Helen Clark and I have worked very closely together leading the team over the last 12 years, particularly the last nine years in government. We are both proud of Labour's achievements in government.

"However it is time to move on from a leadership position as the party rebuilds.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in the new Parliament. In particular, I look forward to helping new Labour colleagues quickly become effective Members of the Labour Team. Labour has an outstanding group of new Parliamentarians.

"I wish Bill English well as Minister of Finance in troubled international economic times.

"I also, of course, look forward over the next three years to seeing a big narrowing in the wage gap between Australia and New Zealand, significantly higher productivity, shorter hospital waiting lists, much reduced serious crime and improved public education standards under the National-led government.

"Labour will measure National in government against the commitments it has made and I will play my part in holding the National-led government to account as Labour rebuilds and prepares for the next General Election," Dr Cullen said.

ENDS

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