David Cunliffe has been elected leader of the Labour Party in its first ever primary election.

David Cunliffe (right) is the new Labour Party leader.

This afternoon Mr Cunliffe promised the focus of his leadership and the entire party would be on winning the 2014 election in order to give New Zealand a new beginning.

"We must beat John Key In 2014 and we will only do that by mobilising the entire party, the affiliates, the membership and the Caucus.

"If we can combine the best of all of us, the winners will be the people of New Zealand.

Cunliffe also said any Labour Government that he leads will champion full employment and a fair go for all New Zealanders.

"Every Kiwi kid deserves the chance for a good start and to make the best of their life.

"Jobs mean more than money, they represent dignity and a stake in the future. Jobs like money do not grow on trees. To be credible and responsible as well as visionary, the Labour Government I lead will have a solid programme of economic development.”

The new Labour Leader thanked his fellow colleagues for the way the leadership race was fought.

"Grant Robertson and Shane Jones were both brilliant in a primary that showed the depth and maturity of the Labour Party.

"These two colleagues and their teams ran great campaigns that maintained a positive vision and put Labour's ideas in the public arena.

"Now is the time for all of us to unite in a common purpose, to defeat the Key government and to restore democracy, prosperity and fairness so New Zealanders can have their country back."