10 February 2002

The National Party has announced details of the five candidates seeking its nomination for the Ohariu-Belmont electorate, who all passed pre-selection on Sunday.

Electorate Chairperson James Austin said that "We are delighted with the high quality of those seeking the nomination. National intends to fight a vigorous campaign for both the party vote and to win the seat."

The five candidates (in alphabetical order) are:

Suzanne Booth, 33, a lawyer who is director of public law for Russell McVeagh. Miss Booth is also Chairperson of the party's Khandallah Branch.

David King, 37, a senior manager with the Ministry of Economic Development. Mr King is a former Commonwealth Scholar to Oxford University.

Michael Leddy, 44, an investment advisor and Chairman of the Wellington Investment and Financial Planners Association. Mr Leddy is a former army officer and currently the Ohariu-Belmont Electorate Secretary.

Dale Stephens, 42, business development manager for the TMP Group and previously was a police officer for 16 years and a presenter on TV's Crimewatch for 10 years. Mr Stephens was a list candidate for National in 1999, is a former Maori Vice-President of the party and is currently on the Executive of the Blue-Greens (environmental wing of National).

Phillipa Urlich, 46, an accountant who runs her own chartered accountancy practice. Ms Urlich was involved with National's Hutt South campaign in 1999.

Party President Michelle Boag commented "I am delighted to see such strong interest in the seat from a wide range of superb calibre candidates and look forward to a good contest."

ENDS

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