Epsom race heats up

Belinda McCammon writes:

Former Auckland City councillor Paul Goldsmith, who has written biographies on John Banks and Don Brash, says he will contest the National Party nomination for Epsom.

Goldsmith said he had decided over the weekend to contest the nomination, which will pit him against former councillor Aaron Bhatnagar.

Both served on the now defunct Auckland City Council after being elected in 2007.

Goldsmith’s declaration comes after he unsuccessfully sought the North Shore nomination this year, with delegates selecting broadcaster Maggie Barry.

Goldsmith also stood unsuccessfully as the National Party candidate in Maungakiekie in 2005.

At least three people are known to be standing for selection in Epsom, with the National Party deputy regional chairman for Auckland, Denise Krum, also confirming she’d seek the nomination.

I know Aaron, Paul and Denise. All would be good MPs.

Aaron is the former City Councillor for the ward which covers most of the electorate and has just stood down as the Epsom Electorate Chair.

Paul is also a former City Councillor, the biographer to Don Brash and John banks and before that Press Secretary to Phil Goff and Simon Upton.

I’ve blogged on Denise before, who is very active in National in Northern Region.

It will be very interesting to see if anyone else stands, and then the selection itself.