Hon Darren Hughes
Opposition Chief Whip

4 May 2009 Media Statement

National confirms its candidate selection is a stitch up

Serious questions need to be asked about the level of democracy within the National party after internal party documents revealed that List MP Melissa Lee has already been named its Mt Albert candidate, Opposition Chief Whip Darren Hughes said today.

“An embarrassing oversight has revealed John Key’s stitch up to have his preferred candidate win the candidacy just hours before the supposed ‘democratic’ selection is to take place,” Darren Hughes said.

“What are the supporters of the other candidate Ravi Masuku to make of this backroom deal done by John Key?

“They now head into tonight’s selection meeting knowing he has no chance of success.

“We had eight strong nominees vying to keep Mount Albert Labour and we’re proud that our selection process was transparent and democratic.

“Ravi Masuku fought the impossible fight against Helen Clark in Mt Albert last year and he has been rewarded by being passed over before National’s phoney selection meeting has taken place,” Darren Hughes said.

ENDS

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