PRESS RELEASE
12 September 2011

Conservatives Overtake Minor Parties

EMBARGOED UNTIL MIDNIGHT, MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2011

Colin Craig, leader of the Conservative Party has announced they’ve signed up more members than the majority of established minor parties in just four weeks.

The number of paid up Conservative Party members today passed 1050.

“I understand ACT only have around 800 members after being around for 17 years, and United Future have struggled ever since 2004 to keep 500” says Craig. “To have our numbers this high so quickly is an outstanding achievement, and shows that kiwis not only want change but are prepared to stand up and do something about it."

Craig says the established minor parties have consistently failed to provide any practical solutions for this country.

“It’s fair enough voters are rejecting them in droves" he says. "People are jumping on board with us because we have real solutions, and the backbone to stand up for what New Zealanders want.”

Today’s announcement comes amidst a struggle for party memberships. National admit their numbers are low, and are appealing for more. NZ First were only able to muster 300 to their annual conference, while United Future barely managed 60, and featured the leader of another party as their key speaker.

The Conservative Party are continuing to exceed expectations. The intention to form the party was announced at the beginning of August and was followed up by the circulation of a brochure outlining policies and seeking members four weeks ago. The party is now part way through registration, which it expects to complete comfortably before the 26th October deadline.

Mr. Craig is currently undertaking polling in more than one electorate in order to finalise which electorate he’ll stand in. There’s been speculation he will stand in Epsom against Mayoral campaign rival John Banks.

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