Strong Result Confirms Conservative Direction

The strong showing for the Conservative Party in Auckland’s Local Body Elections is good news, says Colin Craig, with over 20% (20.8%) of voters choosing to vote for one or more Conservative candidates where they had the choice.

“This strong support from Auckland voters is encouraging, and consistent with our increase in members and supporters across the country,” says Mr Craig.

“In all, over 50,000 (50,218) voters chose to vote for one or more Conservative candidates on their voting paper, and that’s excellent, especially in an election with a low turnout.”

“Throughout the campaign many people requested we stand more candidates, and contest council positions,” say Mr Craig. “This is certainly something we plan to do in the next local body elections.”

“It was also pleasing to see the strong support was not limited to traditionally conservative areas.”
As an example, over 22% (22.5%) of voters in Mangere chose to support their Conservative Party candidate. “Again,” says Mr Craig, “this is consistent with the growth of members and supporters we’ve had in what have traditionally been considered labour electorates.”

Of course, one can’t help but see parallels between the Conservative Party and the UK Independence Party in Britain, which captured over 15% of the vote in the British local elections.

“Like the UK Independence Party, it’s becoming clear The Conservative Party is well on track to do very well in the general elections next year,” says Mr Craig. 

Mr Craig confirmed his intention to run councillors in the next local body elections, but he said a mayoral candidate would only be fielded if they felt they had the right person for the job.

ENDS

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Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>