Conservative Party still working on major policies

Conservative Party leader Colin Craig. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The Conservative Party will have all its major policies released before the General Election, leader Colin Craig says.

The leader of the recently-formed party shared the Conservative Party's views and policies with nzherald.co.nz readers in a live chat today.

Mr Craig was asked by one reader why voters should vote for the party, after being told at a candidate meeting the month-old party had not made up a lot of policy.

He said it would be released prior to the November 26.

"We are releasing policy on our website and will have major ones all out by election."

Mr Craig said the party could form a coalition with either National or Labour, if the Conservatives were in the position of being the king-maker.

"We will talk to the highest polling party first and that is going to be National as it looks right now. A strong vote for Labour instead of National would open possibilities."

However if the Conservatives did work with National, it would not support asset sales. The party also did not back Labour's plans for a capital gains tax.

"[We] would reintroduce top tax rate and have tax free income threshold. I think the reduction in the top tax rate was premature given financial crisis."

He said the Conservatives are in favour of National's welfare reform, but promise to be "tougher on law and order" than National.

Mr Craig said he would not vote to change civil unions or KiwiSaver, but would repeal Section 58 of the Crimes Act, make it required for minors to get parental consent in order to have abortions and were in favour of raising the drinking age to 21.

Mr Craig said the Conservatives were not a Christian party.

"Common sense is my main thing and the basis of our policies. Practical results more [important] than ideology."

He said he did not support same-sex adopting.

"On conscience vote issues you go with you basic beliefs and principles. I have traditional values so that is my personal framework on moral type issues."

Mr Craig was not impressed by the Prime Minister meeting with Act's Epsom candidate John Banks over a public cup of tea, in effect endorsing Mr Banks over National's Paul Goldsmith to ensure Act are returned to Parliament.

"Well ACT are pretty desperate. [I'm] not sure it will save ACT anyway. I don't like meddling with the voter choices. [I'm a] big fan of letting the voters decide in a fair and open contest."

Asked if Mr Key had offered him to meet over a cup of tea, Mr Craig replied:

"No and if he did I would suggest that we meet on the 27th. Cheers."

- HERALD ONLINE