Cullen backs Nash

Michael Cullen is one of those who has signed the nomination papers for Stuart Nash in Napier, despite the fact he is standing against the former electorate MP and current list MP Russell Fairbrother.

This is a significant event.

Now generally speaking signing a nomination paper doesn’t mean you support a candidate. It just means you want a contest. In National it is quite common for a core set of members to sign the nomination papers for all nominees in an electorate. I suspect it is the same in Labour. And Michael Cullen did say he was also happy to sign Fairbrother’s nomination form also – something missing from the Herald version of the NZPA story.

But while it is one thing for normal party members to sign nomination forms for challengers to an MP, I can’t recall having heard of an MP being willing to sign a nomination form for a challenger to one of their own colleagues.

I suspect things look grim for Fairbrother.

While talking things Labour, I hear on the grapevine that 2008 may not be too early for young Conor Roberts, contrary to my suggestion last week. Conor is one of those guys who almost everyone likes. A truly decent guy. Personally I think he should get some more work experience before trying to become an MP, but he’d be a credit
to any party if he stands.

UPDATE: Tukituki MP Craig Foss is enjoying the fight!