Nick legged it

Written By: - Date published: 1:18 pm, March 10th, 2017 - 19 comments
Categories: national - Tags: ,

Remember how the move of Nick Leggett to National was supposed to be some big disaster for Labour? Turns out not so much – Former Mayor Nick Leggett won’t run for Parliament

Former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett will no longer seek nomination from the National Party to be its candidate in the Mana electorate.

The former Labour Party stalwart jumped ship last year, becoming a paid-up member of National.

He intended to run in Mana against incumbent Labour MP Kris Faafoi at this year’s election.

Education Minister Hekia Parata’s decision to step away from politics left a vacant space for the party in the electorate.

However, Newshub can now reveal Mr Leggett has since changed his mind. He denies he was told to stand down by National’s top dogs – claiming it was a personal choice.

19 comments on “Nick legged it ”

  1. Draco T Bastard 1

    However, Newshub can now reveal Mr Leggett has since changed his mind. He denies he was told to stand down by National’s top dogs – claiming it was a personal choice.

    And if you believe that then I have a bridge to sell you.

    • Yeah, I had the exact same reaction. Nobody gets into caucus without the approval of anonymous National Party top dogs, and you certainly don’t get into winnable positions without being a Team Player.

    • mosa 1.2

      I think it was a case of “I want to spend more time with my family ”

      That was John Keys main line and it was bought hook ,line and sinker.

      I think you have struck pay dirt with those bridges Draco.

  2. McFlock 2

    Heh.

    If you’re going to jump ship, try and do it when you’re next to a wharf or another ship 🙂

    • james 2.1

      hahaha – that was good.

    • NZJester 2.2

      f you’re going to jump ship, try and do it when you’re next to a wharf or another ship 🙂

      He thought that he was next to another ship but as usual, they quickly changed direction due to the fact they have a broken rudder that sends their ship in the direction the political wind blows instead of what is good for the country.
      He jumped and it made another hard right turn away from him.

  3. james 3

    I must admit – I thought this was very funny when he originally jumped ship – and thought it would be good for National.

    For whatever reasons its not happening – I think its a pity.

    So – I was wrong on this one – no harm to labour in the slightest – if anything labour may be better off.

    • paul andersen 3.1

      perhaps he has had a good long look at what national is doing for the countries future, (apart from polluting it )

      • james 3.1.1

        Yeah, nah.

        For once – Im in agreement with Draco.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1.2

        I suspect it’s more along the lines of National has had a good long look at him.

        The ship deserted a sinking rat.

        • Psycho Milt 3.1.2.1

          The ship deserted a sinking rat.

          Lol. No more Kiwiblog puff pieces for him.

          • dukeofurl 3.1.2.1.1

            Im guessing Leggett has decided to come out on TOP ?

            • Nick 3.1.2.1.1.1

              Doubt it. He went too quietly. they will have told him to prove himself. He will have an unwinnable list position and will be expected to show he’s a good foot soldier and then take some apparatchik spot afterwards with a view to getting a better crack next time around.

              Once you get the taste of power, an ambitious chap like Leggett won’t ultimately just walk away if he can help it.

  4. Antoine 4

    Hehe oops

  5. nzsage 5

    Clearly Leggett would not only have lost the electorate in Porirua but would more worryingly for the Natz would have had a negative effect on the party vote there…so bye bye Nick.

  6. mosa 6

    Breaking news…. the Leggett party ( National in drag ) coming to a town hall near you.

    Nominations welcome.

  7. D'Esterre 7

    nzsage: “so bye bye Nick”

    Yup. No loss to either Labour or the Nats.

    I doubt TOP’d be interested in a carpetbagger, either.

  8. millsy 8

    National probably suggested that he would do more damage as a talking head and columnist.

    • Nick 8.1

      Exactly. Look for a regular spot for our Nick on Q&A, The Nation and the Panel, billed as a “centrist”.

      National insiders will make sure of that.

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