Televison star new mayor of Banks Peninsula

Former "This is Your Life" television host Bob Parker is the new mayor of Banks Peninsula.

He unseated long-tenure mayor Noeline Allen in the local body election count today.

Before today, pundits reckoned that it was a tight contest between Mr Parker, Mrs Allen, Val MClimont, a secondary school teacher and outspoken critic of the Lyttelton Port Company and the council, and Jim Hopkins, well known radio and television personality.

However Bob Parker finished well ahead, with an election day tally of 2263, three times as many votes as Mrs Allen's 708. Mr Hopkins had 602 and Mr McClimont 843.

Mrs Allen's defeat comes after 15 years of local government experience including three terms as mayor.

Mr Parker, 48, has worked in broadcasting (mainly television), public relations and in partnership in a niche market computer company.

He was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Banks Peninsula District Council in 1994.

- CHRISTCHURCH STAR

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Local Government New Zealand