Nicolson for ACT

Stuff reports:

Former Federated Farmers president Don Nicolson has been confirmed as ACT’s new candidate for the Clutha Southland electorate.

ACT leader Don Brash said Nicolson is highly respected by farmers, as well as in business and political circles.

Nicolson, a climate change sceptic, said he identified with ACT’s “core principles”

“I’m very pleased to be standing for the party,” he said.

Nicolson will stand against finance minister Bill English in the Clutha Southland electorate and will also be the party’s farming spokesman.

Don is well regarded in rural circles, and should help ACT gain some support in rural areas. I suspect he will be one of their top five candidates.

The challenge for ACT could be which female candidates make their top five or six. Brash, Banks, Boscawen and Nicolson will all be in the top six I presume. Heather is retiring. It is unknown what Calvert’s list ranking will be.