Who now for Rimutaka II?

I speculated earlier this year on who would be the candidate for the Labour Party in Rimutaka when Andrew Little stepped aside from the race.

Despite speculating on Paul Tolich, I got a response from 'Dave' who said:

"Anyone with any knowledge of the EPMU would realise that ... Paul Tolich is not going to stand in Rimutaka."

So with Swain, Tolich and Little out of the running, that leaves Moana Mackey (who lives in Petone, and has done nothing to upset anyone) and Charles Chauvel (who lives in Oriental Bay, and has done nothing to upset anyone).

Of the two, Mackey would be the more likely candidate as Rimutaka is a conservative dormotory of Wellington, whereas Chauvel would be more suited to the more cosmopolitan Wellington Central electorate.

This, of course, does not rule out a non-MP parachuting into what is a reasonably safe Labour seat.

However, I would not think that Rimutaka is a safe Labour Seat at the moment. Paul Swain was well respected as the local MP and his personal vote reflected this at the last election. With the big swing away from Labour, I would think that a strong National Party candidate would win.