25 July 2007

A cyber spat has erupted over Labour MP Tim Barnett's involvement in the Christchurch mayoral race.

Barnett is an adviser to mayoral candidate Megan Woods, and a senior member of Christchurch 2021, the Left-leaning political alliance running her campaign.

Barnett once considered running for the city mayoralty, but ruled himself out in March.

Mayoral candidate Bob Parker described Barnett as a "thwarted 2021 mayoral hopeful" during a recent online debate on the Canterbury Public Issues Forum website.

Parker's comments followed a statement from Barnett in support of Woods.

"You cannot be described as `not directly involved' and your comments have to be seen as coming from a thwarted 2021 mayoral hopeful," Parker wrote.

Parker has pledged to steer clear of personality politics.

However, he felt Barnett's involvement in 2021 needed to be made clear when he publicly supported Woods' campaign.

"Barnett is directly involved in the 2021 campaign, so it is really important to alert people to the fact there is a direct connection between him and a number of 2021 candidates standing at the election," Parker said.

Barnett played down the web spat, but said he did not think the description "thwarted 2021 mayoral hopeful" was fair.

"It was not a bitter fight to the death by any means. I thought some of the phraseology was a bit strong.

"What does `thwarted mayoral candidate' mean? The word `thwarted' suggests I put my name forward and was not selected, which was not the case," Barnett said.

He also said he had been open about his links to Woods' campaign. "I have never been anything but open about it."

Woods said she spoke on the telephone with Barnett about three times a week, but insisted he was just one of many advisers.

"Is Tim the mastermind behind the campaign? Not at all. He is one of a number of people advising me. He is certainly involved, but he is one of a number of people, including (MP) Jim Anderton," she said.

For further comment contact:
Megan Woods - 2021 Candidate for Mayor
Mobile: 027 669 0457
Email: megan@megan4mayor.com