Fenton to stand for Labour in Helensville

Labour MP Darien Fenton has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate in the Helensville electorate, which is held by National Party leader John Key.

Fenton, a former union leader, has lived with her family in the area for nearly 20 years. Since entering Parliament as a List MP in 2005, she has worked as one of the Labour North team of MPs, as well as helping out in South Auckland, including Mangere.

At a joint confirmation meeting for West Auckland candidates yesterday, Ms Fenton told the crowd of Labour supporters that the party vote was as critical in Helensville as in any other electorate.

“More than 9,000 people gave Labour their party vote in Helensville last election. That, together with the combined votes of the three West Auckland electorates and the four Auckland North electorates is worth more than 100,000 party votes for Labour. I plan to be in the thick of retaining and increasing that vote for Labour.”

Darien Fenton says the Helensville electorate has done well by Labour. New schools, halls and classrooms, 20 free hours early childhood education, cheaper doctors fees, rates rebates, modern apprenticeships, the new SH 18 highway linking North Shore City and Waitakere City, the Northern busway from Albany to downtown Auckland are just a few examples.

“I will be taking Labour’s record to the people of the Helensville electorate and Labour’s plan for beyond 2008 and asking them whether they want this and more under Labour, or the empty promises of Mr Key.”

“Campaigning in a safe National seat like Helensville is a challenge, but I’m always up for a good fight,” says Ms Fenton.

Darien Fenton will also be standing for Labour’s 2008 List.

ENDS

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