18 Sept 08

Lewis to vacate Manukau for a ‘better man’
 

Family Party leader Richard Lewis will make way for a new Family Party candidate to stand in the Manukau East electorate.

Lewis, a former South Auckland police sergeant who contested the electorate in 2005, came third behind Labour and National and had been planning to contest the electorate again.

“I’ve had every intention of contesting Manukau again but the reality is, someone better has put themselves forward. Samoan born, his family arrived in Otara when it was all dirt and bulldozers, so he practically is the electorate. Coming from a prominent Pacific family, he has been heavily involved in the local community and is a success story in his own right.So it just seems right that I move aside so he can stand for the community that is home to four generations of his family,” says Mr Lewis.

Mr Lewis says the new candidate breaks the mould of traditional Pacific support towards Labour.

“Labour have relied on Pacific support out of South Auckland for a long time, to the point of taking it for granted. Their shift away from the conservative values of the electorate has forced many to look for an alternative political vehicle. I believe our candidate will inspire the kind of change many within Manukau are looking for,” he added.

The Family Party will introduce their Manukau candidate at his official campaign launch this Saturday (20th September) at 11am at the Otara Recreation Centre on Bairds Rd. 

ENDS

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