Barclay re-selected

Stuff reports:

National Party MP Todd Barclay has been reselected to contest the Clutha-Southland electorate at the 2017 general election.

Barclay was voted to remain in his position ahead of former Merrill Lynch investment fund manager Simon Flood at the National Party Clutha-Southland candidate selection meeting in Winton on Wednesday.

“I’m thrilled with the result tonight and look forward to getting on the campaign trail and earning the right to continue to serve Clutha-Southland in Parliament,” Barclay said.

“I will be going forward into 2017 campaigning hard for Clutha-Southland, talking about my track record of success at delivering for local communities in Bill English’s strong, stable, positive National-led Government.”

Flood announced he would challenge Barclay for the role last month.

I understand the vote was not close, but overwhelmingly for Barclay.

National has quite a history of MPs being successfully challenged for nominations – John Key, Judith Collins and John Carter all entering Parliament this way.

Less common is an unsuccessful challenge. The last unsuccessfulful challenge I can recall is 22 year old Ruth Richardson against Sir Roy Jack in 1972 for the Rangitikei nomination. Sir Roy won and became Speaker (again) in 1976.