26 Aug 2013

First Labour nomination in for by-election

4:09 pm on 26 August 2013

The founder of a group advocating for those living in earthquake-damaged east Christchurch has put himself forward for the parliamentary seat about to be vacated by Labour MP Lianne Dalziel.

Deon Swiggs.

Deon Swiggs. Photo: DEON SWIGGS

Ms Dalziel is resigning as an MP to to stand for the Christchurch mayoralty in October.

Her decision means a by-election must be held in the Christchurch East electorate, which has been held by Labour since 1922.

Deon Swiggs of Rebuild Christchurch is the first to seek nomination as a Labour candidate, although James Caygill, the son of former Labour government minister David Caygill, has also said he will stand.

Mr Swiggs says his work with the Rebuild Christchurch group gives him a good understanding of the huge issues faced by residents in Christchurch East, with many properties at risk of liquefaction in the event of future quakes.

He says the repair and rebuild of such properties, classed as TC3, need to be very carefully managed while flood levels are another key issue in the area.

Labour Party nominations close at the end of September. Nominations for a National Party candidate opened on Monday.

The by-election is scheduled for the end of November