So far the results are looking good for Labour.
Labour Party candidate Poto Williams is leading in the Christchurch East by-election, with 20% of the votes counted.
Over a quarter of all the votes counted, ACT has 12 votes. 12. That is not a typo. They have 12 votes.
30% 86% of the votes counted. Electoral Commission site shows:
Williams (LAB) – 2846 – 6,263
Doocey (NAT) – 868 – 2,685
Moorhouse (GREEN) – 220 – 658
Williams taking 64% of the CHCh East vote so far compared with Dalziels 54% in 2011. Cheshire cats that look like Cunliffe?
Well done Labour and Williams!
there are now two independents, the Conservatives and the legalize cannabis party ahead of ACT. Social Credit close on his tails
96% of the vote. I’m calling it! Williams by 4000+ votes! Congratulations Poto!
100% votes counted now: Williams by 4,613 votes.
Final results:
Williams (LAB) – 8,119
Doocey (NAT) – 3,506
Moorhouse (GREEN) – 926
Baker (CNSP) – 487
Park (IND) – 75
Lambert (ALCP) -56
Veale (ACT) – 56
Holland (IND) – 31
Lictwark (NZDSC) – 20
Gaskin (IND) – 19
3 news reports on Williams victory:
Party leader David Cunliffe has congratulated his newest MP on her victory.
Our grassroots campaign in Christchurch East was run and won on the issues facing the city. On housing, insurance and standing up for people in the rebuild,” Mr Cunliffe said.
Ms Williams said she is “truly humbled” by the win.
Labour has held the Christchurch East seat since 1922 and at the last election Dalziel had a majority of more than 5000.
Last election just under 29,000 votes were cast giving Dalziel a majority of around 5300, there was some interest in whether National’s stronger support in the party vote might translate to more support in the by-election.
However this did not happen and the traditional low turnout for by-elections continued as well.
Labour will be pleased their heavy campaigning in the electorate paid off and will give some confidence to the caucus and members heading into election year. They will be hoping the increased support translates into party votes in the Canterbury area next year after it lost heavily in this area in the last election.
National will not be too concerned. Labour has held the seat for a very long time and no Government in modern history has taken an opposition seat in a by-election. However the failure to increase its share of the vote may set off a few gentle alarm bells.
The result for ACT appears to confirm the belief of many it is dead as a political force.
I agree with that assessment. A good boost for Labour. Death knell for ACT!
And Chris Hutching of the NBR got it so wrong!
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