Gilmore backs Dalziel in Christchurch mayoralty race

Former National Party MP Aaron Gilmore. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Former National MP Aaron Gilmore has backed Labour stalwart Lianne Dalziel in the Christchurch mayoralty race.

Mr Gilmore revealed his preference in next weeks' local body elections in his blog.

He's vowed to vote for Dalziel in a stance which "I'm sure shocks some - not the least of which probably her!"

The 39-year-old has backed another left-leaning candidate, current city councillor Glenn Livingstone, as well as Dave East who he calls "a true Eastie and a moderate righty".

Dalziel, who last month stood down as Christchurch East MP after a 23-year parliamentary career, today welcomed the endorsement.

"I don't think he's got a wide readership of his blog... but I've got a lot of support from the National party generally. I'm very pleased."

Mr Gilmore resigned as National List MP in May after reports of a boozy night out in Hanmer Springs where he was abusive to a waiter.

He's kept a low profile since he was "hounded out of public office", he said in an earlier blog.

He urged Cantabrians to get out and vote in next Saturday's local body election.

"Your vote is important," he says.

Mr Gilmore said despite owning multiple properties and being able to vote in multiple wards, he was only voting in Burwood-Pegasus.

"Many local people have asked my views. Burwood-Pegasus has been smashed by earthquakes, as it is where I grew up, and 33,744 other local people are also enrolled to vote, despite some views by outsiders that the area is empty."