Editorial: McDouall should not relax yet

HAMISH McDouall is the front-runner to become mayor of Whanganui in October 2016 - and not just because he is currently the only candidate.

Mr McDouall got the nod from 10,689 voters at the last local body elections in 2013 - that's over a thousand more votes than any other person standing three years ago, including Mayor Annette Main. It is a significant endorsement - as is the backing of the incumbent mayor - and that will make him tough to beat.

But elections have their ups and downs as he knows only too well from three unsuccessful bids to unseat the formidable Chester Borrows in the Whanganui electorate.

There are those who thought he might make a fourth tilt in 2017, hoping to be part of a Labour revival under Andrew Little, but he will now shelve his parliamentary ambitions.

Will he get a clear run at the mayoralty? Well, there are two sitting councillors who have expressed an interest in the top job, and there seems little likelihood of them stepping down from local body politics.

Philippa Baker-Hogan has already been accused of "electioneering" this year as she has sought to distance herself from Ms Main and turn a bit of heat on the mayor.
And Jack Bullock has also indicated some ambition to lead the district one day, though a rather chequered last two years might see him bide his time.

Both those two councillors have strong support, both polling over 8000 votes at the last poll.

And, of course, there could always be a not-so-dark horse waiting in the wings.

Other council speculation suggests some of the sitting members may follow Ms Main and farewell the chamber, while on the outside there are a few people jostling for position.

As always in politics, in a few months' time today's conclusions may not seem so foregone.