Michael Laws backs son of Hells Angels member for council

Michael Laws. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

The son of a Hells Angels gang leader is to stand for Wanganui District Council - with the backing of Mayor Michael Laws.

Jack Bullock, 20, currently co-chairman of the Wanganui Youth Council, announced today his intention to stand in the council election in October.

His decision comes after the council's anti-gang legislation barred Mr Bullock's father from displaying his gang insignia in public.

Under the bylaw introduced last September, people wearing gang insignia in Wanganui can be fined $2000 and have the insignia confiscated.

Hells Angels have filed a claim with the High Court, saying the law breaches the Bill of Rights.

Mr Bullock said he found the debate surrounding the by-law difficult, as it was a case of the council versus a family member.

"By association, you do feel more sensitive."

But eventually he decided the principle of the bylaw was more important than family loyalty, and gave his support to the proposal.

"[The council] made the right decision for the right reason. I back it 100 per cent."

This support was now being returned, with Mr Laws saying he would actively be supporting Mr Bullock's candidacy.

"He has been a great youth leader for Wanganui, and it has taken courage to choose his path. Those are qualities and life experience that will add something special around the council table," he said.

Mr Bullock said he believed he could offer the council a younger perspective, and that he was exactly the age the city needed to retain.

"Too many people my age leave, and never come back."

- NZPA