18 May 2011

Banks eyes Epsom seat in ACT Party

5:14 pm on 18 May 2011

A former mayor of Auckland has formally put his name forward to contest the Epsom seat for the ACT Party at the election.

John Banks signalled his intention to seek the nomination after current MP Rodney Hide lost the party leadership to Don Brash.

Mr Banks, who has also served as a Cabinet minister in National governments, says he lodged the nomination on Wednesday morning along with an application to join ACT.

He says he will not be renewing his National Party membership, as dual membership is not allowed.

Prime Minister John Key says he can work with Mr Banks if he wins the Epsom seat.

Mr Key says nominations have not yet opened for a National Party candidate, but if ACT selects Mr Banks it will not influence the type of campaign National runs in Epsom.

Mr Key says he knows Mr Banks well and likes him.

The election will be held on 26 November.