Election 2011

The final shape of Labour leader David Shearer's new front bench will be announced this afternoon but late yesterday a question mark remained as to whether it would include defeated leadership challenger David Cunliffe.

New Dunedin North MP David Clark is expected to rise quickly through Labour's ranks as the party rebuilds.

The pattern is familiar by now. But that does not make it any easier for those affected. Or the process any less cynical.