John Forbes says he approached Les Keane to test if his campaign was serious. Forbes denies requesting Keane stand down, but admitted his approach made the $50,000 cost to ratepayers clear if Keane were didn't pull out of the race. "I said to him, if you withdraw your nomination, we could save a lot of money on the election," Forbes said. "If Les is standing, the cost is the cost now," Forbes said. Forbes said he welcomed people the democratic process and for people to stand against him, saying "that's what it's about."

Source: Otago Daily Times August 14, 2016 01:30 UTC