Yule to seek Tukituki nomination for National

Stuff reports:

Hastings’ mayor Lawrence Yule turning his attention to national politics.

On Friday he announced he was planning to seek the National Party’s nomination for the Tukituki electorate, after 15 years as mayor or Hastings. 

He is also the president of Local Government New Zealand.

Craig Foss, who currently holds the seat for National, announced in December he would be retiring from politics. 

A large number of locals, along with members of the National Party had encouraged him to run, he said. 

“I did not expect Craig Foss to resign, now I have to deal with that opportunity. I have been pretty humbled by the number of people who have approached me to stand.  I think I can make a difference in Wellington, for the people of Tukituki, and for the National Party,” he said. 

Yule will not make a decision on whether he will stand down as mayor until the National Party decide who the candidate is in February. 

“If the National Party and its members want and choose me as their candidate then subsequent decisions will be required and I intend to involve fellow councillors in these.”  

“Until that point I will be saying very little more while the selection process is underway.” 

In 2016, Yule led the district through the gastro outbreak which saw 5000 locals struck down with campylobacter after drinking water became contaminated. 

Despite the crisis, he was re-elected mayor in last year’s local body elections with a lead of more than 3000 votes over his closet rival Guy Wellwood.

Labour’s Anna Lorck has a high profile and I expect Tukituki will be a hard fought contest. If Lawrence Yule is National’s candidate that will help National’s chances of keeping the seat.