Labour announces more candidates

The Herald reports:

Labour has announced five new candidates to contest National-held seats at the election on September 20.

Tofik Mametov, an insurance representative, will contest Botany which is held by Jami-lee Ross.

Barry Kirker, a clinical psychologist, will contest Pakuranga, which is held by Maurice Williamson.

Jerome Mika, a union organiser, will again contest Papakura, which is held by Judith Collins.

Penny Gaylor, an Otaki member of the Kapiti Coast District Council, will contest Taranaki King Country, where sitting MP Shane Ardern is retiring.

Kelly Ellis, a Whangarei lawyer, will contest Whangarei where sitting MP Phil Heatley is retiring. Shane Reti has been selected there for National.

Dunedin South MP Clare Curran was confirmed today as Labour’s candidate.

Fair to say that none of those seats are likely to be won by Labour, so they will be hoping for list spots. This may help Gaylor and Ellis as the gender quota is now in effect.