A deluge of two

The Herald headline is:

Ex-National MPs deluging Citizens & Ratepayers card

I think the sub-editor is getting a bit excited here, as the deluge is in fact just two ex MPs, and as one is an ex Mayor also, that is the more relevant I would say.

Former National MPs are filling the ranks of the Citizens & Ratepayers ticket with the announcement that Marie Hasler will contest the Waitakere ward for the Super City.

The former Waitakere MP and Cabinet minister joins former National Cabinet minister and Auckland City Mayor Christine Fletcher seeking a position for C&R on the Auckland Council.

But the real focus is on Mr Brewer:

Meanwhile, speculation is growing about Newmarket Business Association chief executive and National Party member Cameron Brewer.

The Herald understands Mr Brewer has been approached about standing for C&R in the Waitemata and Gulf ward for the Auckland Council if Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett does not contest the seat.

Mr Barnett was selected as the C&R candidate but withdrew in May after being diagnosed with throat cancer.

Yesterday, he said he was halfway through treatment and his position had not changed.

The Herald understands Mr Brewer, 37, is also considering going head-to-head with C&R’s Doug Armstrong in the blue-ribbon Orakei seat to provide a young and energetic alternative to the 67-year-old retired engineer.

He is polling to assess his name recognition and see if he could get elected as an independent councillor.

It will be very interesting to see what Cameron does.