Man charged with blackmailing Michael Laws

Michael Laws. File photo / Stuart Munro

A 61-year-old Wanganui man has been charged with blackmail following a complaint laid by Wanganui mayoral hopeful Michael Laws.

Police Sergeant Drew Allison said the man was arrested late yesterday afternoon and would appear in the Wanganui District Court on Thursday.

Mr Laws had said he received a threatening letter last week demanding he pull out of the mayoral race "before decent people deal to you''.