Looks like Eagle will be Deputy Mayor regardless of Mayor

The Dom Post reports:

Even Paul Eagle can see the humour in his support of mayoral candidate Justin Lester after he had supported another candidate, Nicola Young, last year. 

Lester and Eagle, both Wellington City councillors, this week announced they would be standing on a joint Labour ticket as mayor and deputy mayor in the October local body elections.

It’s not Eagle’s first time at the joint ticket rodeo – last April he announced publicly he would back Young, despite her right-wing tendencies. 

He said the flip-flop wasn’t as bad as it might appear, but he could see the funny side. 

“At the time it was important to send a signal about change and there was no Labour candidate and no sign the party would stand a candidate,” he said. 

“In hindsight I should have gone to the party first.” 

Lester, 37, announced in December he would be running for mayor. He said he was not fazed by Eagle’s history and said Eagle was the best man to have by his side. 

“We love Wellington and we believe it’s time for fresh leadership,” he said. 

“We want a council that Wellingtonians have confidence in, one that clearly articulates its vision and has the skills to implement it.” 

Eagle, 44, said there was no bad blood between him and Young. 

“I still get along with her, which is important. 

“But when you belong to a political party you are part of that team.” 

He said he wouldn’t rule out being deputy mayor if Young was to be elected mayor and asked him. 

“That would be up to her.” 

Young said she wouldn’t rule it out either. 

“That’s a decision I will make once the votes are in,” she said. 

Young said Eagle remained a close colleague and friend. 

“Paul is a really good proactive councillor who I admire.” 

I’d say Paul will be Deputy Mayor regardless of who wins. Of course he really wants to be MP for Rongotai, and Annette wants him to be also. But now Little is Leader, they can’t stop him taking it.