Singer upbeat over mayoral chances

Suzanne Prentice. Photo / Christchurch Star

Singer Suzanne Prentice believes her chances of winning the Invercargill mayoralty in October are "very good".

The entertainer announced yesterday morning that she would run against incumbent Tim Shadbolt, mayor for 15 years.

Ms Prentice said she had always been a "proud Southlander", but in recent times had become "a concerned resident".

Ms Prentice said Mr Shadbolt's December bid to oust long-serving deputy mayor Neil Boniface was "only one of the things" which had led to her running for mayor.

Her main focus was "the loss of focus and direction of our council here and also the division which has been created in council".

Ms Prentice had no previous political experience, aside from a role on the board of the Invercargill Licensing Trust.

Asked whether she'd mind the title of "Invercargill's singing mayor", Prentice said: "As long as they don't call me the old grey mare, we'll be right."

Mr Shadbolt and Mr Boniface both welcomed the announcement of Ms Prentice's campaign.

Mr Shadbolt said Ms Prentice's plan to run was "great for democracy".

- NZPA