Labour’s Dunedin North selection

The ODT reports:

Labour Party members in the Dunedin North electorate have a rare chance on Saturday to select a new candidate to represent them at the general election next year.

Well, the members don’t get to select the candidate. They get two votes out of seven – and even then only if not outvoted by “affiliate members” who get trucked in by the bus load.

The union movement has targeted both Dunedin North and Manurewa as seats it wants a unionist to win, to increase the proportion of unionists in the Labour caucus. Phil Goff may not last long after 2011 – even if he wins!

Three candidates have put themselves forward to replace Mr Hodgson – current electorate committee chairman David Clark (37), former electorate chairman Simon Wilson (25) and uinionist New Zealand Nurses Organisation national adviser Glenda Alexander (55).

David Clark has a campaign website. He is Warden of Selwyn College (2rd best after Carrington and Knox). He has been an EMPU member since 2006. On the basis of his CV, looks quite good.

Glenda Alexander also has a campaign website. She has been a professional unionist for the last 20 years.

Simon Wilson is a former President of the compulsory Otago University Students’ Association.

So all three have a union background to some degree – but Alexander by far the most.

It will be interesting to see who wins – they will inevitable become an MP at the next election.

Hat Tip: Homepaddock