MP Georgina Beyer has decided she won't be standing down from Parliament after all, the second time she has reversed a decision not to stand for re-election. However, she will be seeking a place on Labour's list, and won't be standing for re-election in her Wairarapa electorate. Beyer says the Destiny Church march in Wellington recently was certainly a catalyst for making her reconsider leaving Parliament, but told GayNZ.com "it would be foolish to stay on just because of that one thing. It was certainly a motivator." Beyer told the Herald it was time for her to move on from the Wairarapa. “I have served the area for what will be six years as an MP and another six years in local government," she said. "I can't pursue with any great vigour... some issues that my more conservative electorate frown upon -- prostitution reform would have been one, civil union would be another." Paul Holmes asked Beyer on Newstalk ZB yesterday whether changing her mind for a second time on re-election was leading to a credibility problem developing. "I suppose in that regard it is, but I have to say this job has been a little bit more difficult to leave from a personal point of view because other people see qualities in me that they would like to see remain in Parliament," she replied.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Friday, 24th September 2004 - 12:00pm