Alliance stands aside in Christchurch East by-election to help victory for left

Alliance Party media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday 6 November 2013

The Alliance Party has decided not to stand a candidate in the Christchurch East by election, Alliance co leader Kevin Campbell announced today.

"We were sorely tempted to stand a candidate, given that it is the electorate I live in and it would be an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the Alliance," said Mr Campbell.

He says two things in particular "made us change our mind."

"Firstly, Labour under the new leader, David Cunliffe are reclaiming some of the ground lost to National and unveiling some good new policies."

"And secondly, both the Green candidate David Moorhouse and Labour's Potu Williams appear strong candidates who would serve the electorate well. It seemed churlish to stand against them for our own political ends."

The Alliance Party believes that the left needs to work together to avoid another three years of National's punitive policies for low and middle income earners, says Mr Campbell.

"Labour and the Greens need to blow National out of the water in the Christchurch by election to lay the ground work to defeat them in the 2014 general elections. We would not want to risk our candidate splitting the vote and allowing a National win in Christchurch East."

He says the Alliance was refocusing and rebranding and it was in the party's best interests to concentrate on that without the pressure and expense of a by election.

"We are committed to working with the opposition parties to make sure the referendum on asset sales, also being held during the final weeks of November, delivers the message that New Zealanders are sick of the government selling our stuff."

Mr Campbell says Labour needs to focus on an MMP strategy if it is serious about wanting to lead a government, and the Alliance was willing to contribute to achieve this change of government.

ENDS

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