PM John Key launches National’s Mt Roskill campaign

Prime Minister John Key on Saturday, November 5, officially launched the campaign for National Party candidate Dr Parmjeet Parmar for the Mt Roskill by-elections.

Unlike the Labour Party a week before, when Labour leader Andrew Little announced a $1.3 billion light rail project for the Mt Roskill electorate, there was no major announcement.

Apparently, this reflects National's increasing confidence in their chances of creating a history in winning a seat in a by-election, which no other incumbent government has done so far.

"We have got a once in a lifetime opportunity of putting a National MP here in Mt Roskill," the prime minister said at the launch of the campaign.

"We have a real opportunity in this by-election, which no other incumbent government has ever done and that is to win a seat that it does not hold," further asserted the prime minister to a thunderous applause from the party workers.

In some way, the prime minister’s speech reflected a clever mind game intended to put pressure on the Labour Party ahead of the by-elections by first declaring that Nationals are under no pressure to win this seat; then subsequently stating that the outcome of this by-election would in no way affect the 2017 general elections.

"They [Labour] are worried about Mt Roskill and they should be worried," he said.

Dr Parmar, currently a List MP based in Mt Roskill, outlined her commitment to running a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter to locals.

“I’m out there talking with the community about improving safety on our streets and in our homes and businesses; improving roads, public transport, and parking; creating more affordable housing especially for young people; and supporting our fantastic local businesses," said Dr Parmar.

The Mt Roskill by-election is being held on December 3 and Michael Wood is standing for the Labour. The by-elections were called after incumbent Phil Goff was elected as Auckland’s mayor.