Celebrities join races for council roles
She’s tried her hand at many a thing over the years — and now Dame Lynda Topp is set to take on politics as she stands in the upcoming local body elections.
Dame Lynda, 64, has spent much of this year undergoing treatment for breast cancer — but that has not stopped her stepping up as a candidate for Ashburton District Council.
She was standing in the region’s Western ward and as of yesterday would run against the incumbent Rodger Letham and Deputy Mayor Liz Mcmillan.
The Topp Twins — Dame Lynda and her sister Dame Jools — announced in March that they were both fighting breast cancer.
Jools was diagnosed with breast cancer 16 years ago and after having chemotherapy, went into remission.
However this year she discovered that her cancer has metastasised, and started radiation therapy.
In December diagnosed with breast cancer.
She underwent a double mastectomy and started a harrowing six months of intensive chemotherapy.
The famous sisters spent more than four months apart during their treatment due to the Covid-19 pandemic but managed to get together for their recent birthday.
“The love and support we have had from Kiwis and fans around the world has been amazing and we thank each and every one of you who have sent messages and donated to our Givealittle page.”
On August 4 they posted an update on their Facebook page.
2021, Lynda was Grade 3 invasive
The pair became Kiwi television staples with their show The Topp Twins.
Both sisters were appointed Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Meanwhile, Talkback host Marcus Lush is to stand for the Invercargill mayoralty.
The incumbent, Sir Tim Shadbolt, will also run again in the October 8 election.
Lush, a current Invercargill councillor, said he has a vision for the city.
“It’s about making Invercargill the most attractive place for people to move to and establish families and lives, and then actually telling that story to New Zealand.”
Lush said he would continue his job as a talkback host on Newstalk ZB if he became Invercargill’s mayor.
Deputy mayor Nobby Clark announced in May that he was also chasing the top job.
— additional reporting RNZ