Craig no threat to Banks in Epsom, says Brash

Colin Craig. Photo / Dean Purcell

Auckland mayoral candidate and founder of a new political party Colin Craig's potential challenge to Act's John Banks in the Epsom electorate has been dismissed by Act leader Don Brash.

Mr Craig, who came third in the first Super City mayoral election, yesterday launched his Conservative Party, setting himself a series of ambitious targets including attracting the necessary 500 members in just a few weeks, standing candidates in almost every electorate, winning an electorate seat, and securing at least 9 per cent of the party vote.

He told the Herald he was considering a head-to-head battle in Epsom with fellow Super City mayoral candidate Mr Banks.

In last year's Super City election, Mr Craig got 40,000 votes to Mr Banks' 161,000 - with victor Len Brown receiving 221,000 votes.

But Mr Craig said he was heartened by private polling showing he had high support in the Epsom electorate.

He would not rule out standing there and spoke of voter dissatisfaction with a "close alliance" between National and Act over Mr Banks' candidacy.

"There is a level of discontent around being taken for granted in Epsom."

But Mr Brash did not consider Mr Craig a serious threat to Act's grip on its Epsom stronghold.

"Most people in Epsom would like their member of Parliament to be a part of a National-Act coalition Government post-election and the only way they can achieve that would be by electing John Banks."