25 January 2005 Media Statement

Margaret Wilson withdraws electorate candidacy

Tauranga-based list MP and Speaker for the House of Representatives nominee Margaret Wilson today announced that she would not stand as the Labour Party candidate in Tauranga at this year's election.

Margaret Wilson said her withdrawal from contesting an electorate seat this year was to help preserve the neutrality of the Speaker's role.

"While the Speaker must be elected to the legislature, their role as arbiter of the House is non-partisan," Margaret Wilson said.

"By standing as a list MP I will not directly compete against my parliamentary colleagues. Nor will I represent an electorate constituency on behalf of the Labour Party.

"This continues the precedent set by Jonathan Hunt who was also elected to the Speaker's chair as a list MP."

Margaret Wilson will continue living in Tauranga.

ENDS

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