Nine for Christchurch Central
The Press reports there are nine candidates seeking the candidacy for Labour for Christchurch Central. They probably see it as a seat for life – hence the interest. The nine are:
- Brendon Burns – Former journalist for The Press and former candidate in Kaikoura.
- James Caygill – Former political adviser to Prime Minister Helen Clark.
- Hine Conner – Labour official.
- Eamon Daly – Tetraplegic academic and government adviser. Stood in 2002 and 2005 also. Also failed to get elected to local community board in 2007.
- Erin Ebborn-Gillespie – Christchurch family lawyer. List candidate 2005.
- Wayne Hawker – Night-shift baker and Labour fundraiser. Also failed to get elected to local community board in 2007.
- Tina Lomax – Community board member and school principal.
- Ingrid Stonhill – Former Christchurch City councillor.
- Megan Woods – Unsuccessful Christchurch mayoral candidate.
Now remember that unlike National’s selections where 60 local members solely decide the outcome, only seven votes count in Labour selections.
Under their Rule 246 the NZ Council appoints three members of the selection committee, of whom at least one must be a women.
The local LEC elects just two members, of whom again one must be a woman.
Those present at the selection meeting elect one final member to the selection committee.
And then finally after the speeches, those present vote preferentially on their preferred candidate, and this counts as a seventh vote.
Caygill and Burns would both add some obvious talent to the Labour Caucus.