Phil Goff has given the strongest hint yet he'll run for mayor of Auckland next year.
A possible contest between the former Labour leader and a rejuvenated John Banks is shaping up in the city where gridlock, rates, and soaring property prices are a perennial political migraine for incumbent Len Brown.
This morning Mr Banks, a two-time former Auckland mayor and one-time Act Party leader, wouldn't rule out running in the race.
Mr Goff today said he was doing his "homework" on the 2016 race.
Political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards said Mr Goff had a better shot at winning the mayoralty than Mr Banks, Mr Brown or National MP Maurice Williamson.
"I think Phil Goff's chances of winning are very strong. The winning formula Phil Goff has is he's on the right of the left -- he's a much more centrist politician than most other likely candidates."
He said a strong track record, name recognition, and a reputation for "competence" would be of possible benefit to Mr Goff's chances in 2016.
Dr Edwards said he saw no reason for believing Mr Brown's chances of being re-elected had improved recently.
A possible contest between the former Labour leader and a rejuvenated John Banks is shaping up in the city where gridlock, rates, and soaring property prices are a perennial political migraine for incumbent Len Brown.
This morning Mr Banks, a two-time former Auckland mayor and one-time Act Party leader, wouldn't rule out running in the race.
Mr Goff today said he was doing his "homework" on the 2016 race.
Political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards said Mr Goff had a better shot at winning the mayoralty than Mr Banks, Mr Brown or National MP Maurice Williamson.
"I think Phil Goff's chances of winning are very strong. The winning formula Phil Goff has is he's on the right of the left -- he's a much more centrist politician than most other likely candidates."
He said a strong track record, name recognition, and a reputation for "competence" would be of possible benefit to Mr Goff's chances in 2016.
Dr Edwards said he saw no reason for believing Mr Brown's chances of being re-elected had improved recently.
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