In less than a month, former Auckland mayoral candidate Colin Craig has signed up 600 members for his new Conservative Party - more than enough to register and contest November's general election.
Mr Craig started the party on August 1, prompting speculation he would run against his rival for the Super City mayoralty, John Banks - who is now Act's candidate in the Epsom electorate.
To be registered in time for the election, applications from new political parties, including evidence of 500 members, must be received six to eight weeks before the Electoral Commission's "writ day" which falls on October 26.
Yesterday Mr Craig had signed up more than 600 members after releasing a promotional leaflet outlining policies including removing the ban on smacking, retaining state-owned assets and raising the drinking age to 20.
He has yet to decide which electorate he will contest.
