The Labour Party says voters in Epsom deserve better than a "stitch up deal" between National and ACT, and it will now put up a fight for the seat.
The National and ACT parties appear to have struck an agreement over the seat, which is held by former ACT party leader Rodney Hide, who was rolled by Don Brash earlier this year.
Dr Brash says the Prime Minister has made it clear that he understands the importance of Epsom to ACT. "My understanding is the National Party will primarily focus on the party vote in Epsom and we of course will primarily focus on the electorate vote in that electorate."
[image:2511:third:right]National's newly selected candidate Paul Goldsmith, a political biographer and former Auckland city councillor, says he will be targeting the party vote while ACT's candidate, John Banks, says he will be working on the electorate vote.
Dr Brash says Mr Banks will have a very good shot at winning the seat given his background and experience.
Labour's campaign spokesperson Grant Robertson says Epsom is traditionally a seat where ACT and National have done well.
But he says the obvious deal between the two parties is a game changer and Labour will now look very seriously at the seat.
Radio New Zealand's political staff say it is understood senior Labour MP David Parker will put his name forward as a candidate before nominations close on Friday.
