The contest to replace John Key is taking shape with Auckland councillor Linda Cooper announcing her bid to be the National Party candidate in Helensville. Cooper, a Waitakere ward councillor, told the Herald she had long considered a tilt at Parliament and the timing was now right. Cooper said she would stay on as a councillor through the selection and any campaigning process, but would resign if elected to Parliament. Another potential candidate is Genelle Bailey, who worked for Key in his Helensville office for almost 10 years. And the NZ People's Party, started by businessman Roshan Nauhria, will stand a candidate - Vin Tomar, an immigration adviser and former kindergarten teacher.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 13, 2017 00:40 UTC