Morgan said to be eyeing Epsom seat after poll result
AUCKLAND: Gareth Morgan, the leader of the Opportunities Party, is said to be considering standing in Epsom against Act New Zealand leader David Seymour in the September 23 election.
Mr Seymour, a firstterm MP, holds the seat with a 4250 majority.
Mr Morgan rated 2% in the Herald ZB Kantar TNS poll this week, which asked: ‘‘who do you think is most capable of running the government?’’
However, his support was only 1% in Auckland and 4% in Canterbury and Wellington, where he lives.
Mr Seymour did not rate.
The Opportunities Party also rated 2% in the latest 1 News Colmar Brunton poll on party vote, which could mean three MPs with an electorate.
Winning a seat means a party does not have to reach the 5% threshold before getting MPs.
Mr Morgan, a millionaire economist and author, launched his party this year but has yet to decide whether to stand in an electorate or just on the party list.
A party source last night said Mr Morgan was actively considering the Epsom option partly because of the Herald ZB poll.
Among the party’s radical policies are cutting superannuation for the wealthy; giving an unconditional allowance of $200 a week to families with children under 3; legalising and regulating cannabis; and taxing all productive assets, including housing and land.
Mr Morgan has locked horns with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and expressed concern at the prospect of him holding the balance of power after the election. — NZME