In the wake of Don Brash’s Act Party leadership coup, all eyes are on the Epsom electorate seat. In the run up to Thursday’s developments in which Rodney Hide stepped down as leader to make way for Don Brash, there has been growing speculation as to who will fly National’s flag in Epsom.
One strong rumour was that former Auckland councillor Aaron Bhatnagar would be National’s man. Indian Weekender has reliably learned from party sources on Friday night that Mr Bhatnagar's nomination had been received by the party.
In the last election, National Party supporters voted “strategically” to make Epsom a safe seat for Mr Hide and the Act Party. More than one poll, though, has shown plunging support for Act and Mr Hide during the past couple of months.
It has been reported that a significant number of National Party supporters in Epsom wanted a strong National candidate this time around and many have backed the candidature of Mr Bhatnagar.
The longtime Hobson resident and businessman previously served as a councillor at the Auckland City Council after his election in October 2007. He has also served on the local Hobson Community Board.
He was the chairman of the City Development Committee and previously served as deputy chairman of finance.
He chose not to seek re-election to the new Auckland Council in 2010, but supported the candidature of John Banks in his mayoral bid. He has been active in National Party politics since 2002 and is chairman of the Epsom electorate for the National Party since mid 2010.