By Elizabeth Hayes
Christchurch's mayoral race has heated up with political veteran Jim Anderton stepping into the ring.
The Progressive Party leader and Wigram MP announced this afternoon that he would battle it out with Bob Parker for mayor in the October election.
He's been in politics for decades so it was fitting that Mr Anderton made his announcement to run for mayor in one of the oldest buildings in Christchurch - the former Council Chambers.
Mr Anderton will run as an independent candidate in the October election calling himself the "people’s mayor" and he insists he's up for the fight.
“I wouldn't do this if I didn't think I could pull it off and if I didn't think id be in it for the long haul either,” says Mr Anderton.
He told a packed crowd that the current council has lost touch with the community and was quick to pounce on its involvement in the sacking of the regional council.
“Ecan if anything has just got its act together on water issues in Canterbury and if there was any time to give them a fair go this was it.”
Current mayor Bob Parker says while that was an obvious blow he's looking forward to the fight.
“I reckon it'll be a good old battle, but that’s part of the job and I’ve certainly been in a few of those going on 17 years,” says Mr Parker.
It’s Mr Anderton's 72 years which have already become the focus for the local paper.
But being a veteran politician seems to be paying off with his supporters.
If successful Mr Anderton says he'll continue as MP for Wigram, keeping his parliamentary pay packet and giving his mayoral salary to community services.
But with Mr Parker not giving up without a fight, it’s set to be an interesting race.
3 News
source: newshub archive
