Northcote

The Herald profiles Northcote. Some extracts:

Mrs Hartley, who retired as a list MP at Christmas, said her loss to the young medical doctor was mainly due to Northcote’s tradition of swinging between National and Labour.

However, community activist Tony Sharrock, who brands himself a left-wing socialist, said Dr Coleman won votes with his willingness to take up the residents’ main concern – the traffic congestion on Onewa Rd. …

Nice praise.

Mr Sharrock: “Jonathan attends everything. He listens and tries to help people when he can, regardless of their political leanings.”

That is the trick to keepng a seat. Build up a reputation as an excellent electorate MP, and you attract support from voters of all parties.

I don’t think Northcote will be regarded as a marginal or singing seat in future.