Conservatives confirm a Craig-less future

The Conservative Party has issued a release (see Raw Data below) announcing that its new board – elected on November 7 – “has decided, in agreement with Mr Craig, that as we move forward we will be looking to appoint a new leader to take us through to the next election.”

Despite the fulsome praise for Mr Craig in the release – he’s credited with being “largely” responsible for the Conservative’s rise from “From nothing, to fifth highest polling party” – it also admonishes that “no person, or group of people, should be bigger than the party they seek to represent.” (A visit to the organisation's website, which still resembles a portal to something of a Craig-centred cult of personality, indicates it’s got some hard work to do in this area.)

The release makes no mention of the various Craig-related controversies that have dogged the party over the past year, which presumably had a strong influence on the board’s decision to draw a line under the possibility of Mr Craig resuming the leadership after he resigned from the position in June.

The party’s new board consists of Leighton Baker, Laurence Day, Claire Holley, Simon Gutschlag, Melanie Taylor and Kevin Stitt.

According to a staff member at the organisation’s head office, Mr Craig remains a member of the Conservative Party but has no other role beyond that.

NBR is attempting to reach Mr Craig – who earlier this year publicly pondered starting a new party if he lost the Conservative’s leadership – for comment.

RAW DATA:

Press Release: Conservative Party

16 Nov 2015

Earlier this year, on 19th June, it was announced that the Board of the Conservative Party would undertake a review of the leadership of the Party. The former Leader of the Party, Colin Craig, stood down to allow the board to explore all possible leadership options going forward.

The newly elected Board has decided, in agreement with Mr Craig, that as we move forward we will be looking to appoint a new leader to take us through to the next election.

From nothing, to 5th highest polling party, the rise in the Conservative Party has been largely due to Mr Craig’s enthusiasm and support. He has not shied away from questions, but has tirelessly travelled the country to meet supporters and promote conservative values, and the Board thanks him, sincerely, for his contribution.

No person, or group of people, should be bigger than the Party they seek to represent, and this is true of the Conservative Party. We are a smaller party that seeks to empower the majority of New Zealanders with a voice through binding referenda.

True democracy requires citizens to have a say in how the country runs, not just in regards to the flag, and not just once every 3 years. As the Conservative Party, we will continue to press for a more democratic New Zealand for all its citizens.

Mr Leighton Baker has been appointed Party spokesman as the Board looks at the leadership options.

ENDS

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