Baird withdraws

ONE of the candidates for National’s CluthaSouthland electorate seat has withdrawn his nomination.

Allan Baird, a farmer from Benmore, Southland, and president of Southland Federated Farmers, withdrew his nomination yesterday, acknowledging court proceedings under way at present in relation to a breach of a discharge consent on his dairy property in October last year would be too much of a distraction for him.

He said he was not happy at having to withdraw, but ‘‘other opportunities will present themselves’’.

Incumbent Todd Barclay is stepping aside at the election amid allegations he covertly recorded a staffer at his Gore office.

Mr Baird’s withdrawal leaves eight people vying for selection by the National Party to replace him.