It's (un)official: Anderton wants Christchurch mayoralty

Jim Anderton. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Jim Anderton wants to be the next mayor of Christchurch, but is not saying officially so just yet.

The Progressive MP said he will make an announcement about his political future on Sunday.

However today he sent out a media invite saying "this year I'm putting my name forward to lead Christchurch."

He would not clarify the issue before Sunday and said it will all be revealed then.

"I'm going to announce my intentions regarding the Christchurch mayoralty and other matters of course that will come into it in terms of my electorate and all the rest of it," he said.

The election is in October but nominations close in a few months.

Mr Anderton said last month there was a "great deal of unhappiness" about the council leadership in Christchurch and many people were considering running for the mayoralty.

"I'm one of those who is looking at it," he said.

While there may not be a law prohibiting an MP from becoming a mayor, Mr Anderton said he would have some ethical issues with it.

Were he to hold both positions he would not want to claim two salaries and would look at one going to charity or something similar.

Mr Anderton started his career in local politics. He was on the Manukau and Auckland city councils and was a member of the Auckland regional Authority.

He was first elected to central government in 1984 for the Labour Party. In 1989 he formed the New Labour party which in 1991 he led into the Alliance. And in 2002 he formed the Progressive Coalition party. He has held several ministerial portfolios, including agriculture.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB