Peter Goodfellow
National Party President
20 January 2011

Botany by-election pre-selection

National Party President, Peter Goodfellow says the field of quality nominees who have put their names forward for selection to be National's candidate in the Botany by-election has been narrowed down to five during a pre-selection process held today.

"It's pleasing to see such a strong field put their names forward. It shows the National Party is in great shape with plenty of new talent who are keen to get involved."

A total of 13 people stood for selection and this afternoon a panel of senior Party officials have selected the top contenders who will now go through to final selection by Party delegates. This selection will take place Thursday 27 January.

"It was a tough decision given the high quality of candidates who are seeking the nomination. I want to congratulate those who have made it this far, and thank everyone who took part in this process.

"For Botany this by-election is about maintaining a strong voice in John Key's Government so it can grow the economy, create jobs, make our communities safer, and deliver on critical infrastructure like broadband, roads and rail."

The five people who will move on to the next phase of selection are:

Maggie Barry
Aaron Bhatnagar
Darron Gedge
Jami-lee Ross
Edward Saafi

Reporters note: National Party rules prevent those seeking nomination from commenting to the media.

ENDS

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