Seymour to Twyford: Put your money where your mouth is

ACT Leader David Seymour is challenging Labour Housing Spokesman Phil Twyford to put his money where his mouth is on Urban Growth Boundaries.

“His proposed amendment to remove Urban Growth Boundaries was a good one, so why doesn’t he turn it into a private members’ bill, and put it in the ballot?” says Mr Seymour.

“Surely this is a more important issue than wheel clamping, which Mr Twyford’s current members’ bill addresses – a strange priority for a housing spokesperson.”

The last-minute Labour amendment on the issue failed on Wednesday when Phil Twyford failed to co-ordinate with Mr Seymour. With Mr Seymour’s vote, the amendment would have passed.

“I would have voted for the amendment – all Phil had to do was pick up the phone,” says Mr Seymour.

Mr Seymour received no contact from Mr Twyford aside from an email giving less than an hour’s notice, which was unread due to a full meeting schedule.

“If Labour wants to show credibility on housing, they need to do more than grandstand. They need to work with other parties ahead of time to secure votes.

“If Phil is puts a bill in the member’s ballot on removing Urban Growth Boundaries, he will have my vote. Based on votes on his amendment this week, that’ll be enough to pass.”

ENDS

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