Wellington, Sep 27 (IANS): New Zealand opposition Labour Party leader David Cunliffe resigned Saturday after leading the party to a historic defeat in last week's general election.
Cunliffe said he would stand again for leadership in a new vote, Xinhua reported.
Cunliffe said in a statement that he had to take responsibility for the party taking just 25 percent of the vote in the general election, Labour's worst result since 1922.
He said he had been elected leader a year ago with a mandate for change and the election result had reinforced the need for change within the party.
"We need to renew and rebuild our culture, accountabilities, how we do things and present to the world," Cunliffe said.
"Achieving that in time for the 2017 election will require experienced and determined leadership with a broad mandate," he said.