A former mayor, a cross-dressing marriage celebrant and a prominent business leader are among 13 candidates vying to fill two vacant seats on the New Plymouth District Council.
The New Plymouth District Council by-election will be held in February. Photo: 123rf
Former Labour MP Harry Duynhoven was unceremoniously dumped as mayor in 2013 after just one term.
Mr Duynhoven said ratepayers now recognised the achievements of the previous council and he has been overwhelmed by the number of people who have asked him to throw his hat in the ring.
Other candidates include marriage celebrant Morris West, whose alter-ego is the TV character Mrs Brown, and the outgoing chief executive of Port Taranaki, Roy Weaver.
The byelection, which will be held in February, was forced by the resignations of John McLeod and Len Houwers.
