Will Benson-Pope go Independent?

The NZ Herald refers to speculation that David Benson-Pope might stand as an Independent if he does not get selected as the Labour candidate.

If he does, he wouldn’t be the first to do that. When Brian Neeson lost the Helensville nomination to John Key, Neeson eventually defected and stood as an Independent.

Of course both National and Labour nomination forms require you to swear that if unsuccessful you will not stand in opposition to the winning candidate. In fact you pledge to support them.

I’m a traditionalist when it comes to breaking a signed declaration and believe that doing so should make you ineligible to ever rejoin the party.

UPDATE: NZPA reports that Benson-Pope has now stated he will definitely not stand as an Independent is not selected as the Labour candidate.  Of course if he said anything else he would be sacked from the Caucus immediately, but I suspect he is telling the truth – he has been a long standing loyal member of Labour.