Candidate steps up to replace disgraced MP
DUNEDIN man Hamish Walker is the first person to declare publicly his interest in being selected as the CluthaSouthland National Party candidate to replace disgraced MP Todd Barclay.
Mr Walker (32) stood in Dunedin South in 2015, winning the party vote for National from Labour. He was second behind Dunedin South MP Clare Curran in the electorate vote.
The Otago Daily Times approached Mr Walker yesterday after party sources suggested he was ready to make his announcement.
In a statement, Mr Walker said he had been approached by a number of people who were aware of his campaign in Dunedin South and thought having an experienced campaigner was important because of the limited time.
‘‘On that basis, I’ve decided I will put my name forward in the belief and determination for this part of the world to succeed.’’
Mr Walker said it was not appropriate for him to make any further comment.
Mr Walker has strong ties to the OtagoSouthland region.Family continue to live and work in the CluthaSouthland electorate.
Before moving back to Dunedin, Mr Walker established a property management company in Auckland and sold it in 2015, to stand for Parliament.
National will be in a rush to select a candidate to replace Mr Barclay who, although still an MP, is not standing for election again after details have emerged about his recording of staff member Glenys Dickson.
The election will be held on September 23 and, ideally, National would have its new candidate in place by the end of July.
Simon Flood, who lost to Mr English in December’s selection meeting, may consider standing again. But the blue ribbon nature of CluthaSouthland suggests other candidates are about to put their names forward.
The ODT understands the advertisement announcing nominations opening has been delayed for two days and could be published on Saturday or Monday.
The police announced on Monday they were reopening the case after claims and counterclaims by Mr Barclay and Prime Minister Bill English about the recordings and their content.
Yesterday, Labour leader Andrew Little accused Mr English of relying on Mr Barclay’s vote to pass key legislation, explaining why the Prime Minister had ‘‘covered up the Barclay scandal’’ for so long and why he continued to refuse to answer questions.