Lee tipped as National contender in Mt Albert

Melissa Lee

One of National's new stars, MP Melissa Lee, could be the party's candidate in the Mt Albert byelection, the Herald has learned.

It is understood Ms Lee's name has been raised in National Party circles as a possibility to compete for the once-safe Labour seat vacated by former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

But Ms Lee would not comment last night when asked if she was seeking the candidacy for the seat, which National believes it can win. Labour has said it is viewing the seat as a marginal one even though Helen Clark held the seat since 1981.

Ms Lee, a former Asia Downunder journalist, entered Parliament at No 37 on National's list, the first Korean woman to be elected as an MP outside Korea.

Ms Lee, who arrived in New Zealand in 1988, would appeal to many of the 40 per cent of people in Mt Albert who have lived in the country for less than five years.

The Aucklander does not live in Mt Albert at present but did live for a long time in Mt Eden.

Helen Clark has a 10,351 majority, but much of it is personal following as the party vote was much closer. Labour led by 2436.

In her maiden speech, Ms Lee spoke out about law and order, revealing she was once a victim of a home invasion by two balaclava-clad men armed with a guns and a hammer.

Ms Lee, who has a 10-year-old son, said she had become frightened about children growing up in New Zealand.

She spoke of her 20 years in journalism, and how instead of going to the pub with colleagues after work at the Sunday News she worked in her parents' dairy until late.

Ravi Musuku, the Hillsborough Baptist Church pastor who has stood for National against Helen Clark in the past two elections, said he would be seeking the candidacy again.

Labour's favourite to stand in the seat was initially Kingsland resident Phil Twyford, also already in Parliament on the party list, although the party has indicated it may seek someone else because his election could see Judith Tizard returned on the list if he won.

Last week an international internet poll listed Ms Lee as the world's 52nd most beautiful female politician.