Banks faces Tamaki scrap

John Banks

John Banks has a fight on his hands if he runs for Act in Tamaki and pushes for National's candidate to stand aside.

The prospect has emerged after Mr Banks said polling he had conducted in the Auckland electorate showed that if strategic voting was employed by people wanting a centre-right government, he would win.

But Rangitoto College principal Allan Peachey, National's Tamaki candidate, said he would not stand aside for Mr Banks.

"If Banks wants a scrap in Tamaki, I'm more than ready for him," he said.

Mr Peachey said Mr Banks had supported him when he sought the Tamaki nomination.

Mr Banks, who wants a high place on Act's list, also upset the party board with his Tamaki polling by not keeping it in the loop about his activities. Last year the party picked MP Ken Shirley to stand in the seat.