The Labour Party continues to ring the changes in Dunedin South, with top elected officials being voted out of office at the annual meeting of the Dunedin South branch of the party on Monday.
Long-serving party member Lindsay Rackley lost chairmanship of the branch to Richard Page, the former vice-chairman, and secretary treasurer Beryl Maultby was replaced by Julie Morton.
Both Mr Rackley and Mrs Maultby were members of the selection panel that voted to replace sitting MP David Benson-Pope with communications consultant Clare Curran as the Labour candidate for the election this year.
The new branch vice-chairman is Keith McFadyen, a PSA organiser and an unsuccessful candidate in the Dunedin South selection contest.
Mr Rackley said by email that the change was the result of the ‘‘simple normal democratic process'' taken at the annual meeting.
Ms Curran told the Otago Daily Times she supported Mr Rackley for the role of chairman because of his considerable experience and dedication to the branch over many years.
‘‘I don't want to comment on internal political matters but last night the vote was taken for new leaders and I accept that decision. We are moving on, as we did when we selected the candidate.
‘‘I have spoken to the new chairman and secretary and they have given their full support for my candidacy,'' she said.
Mr Page said in an interview the branch members voted for a change to bring ‘‘passion and vitality'' to the branch.
‘‘We don't believe there is anything stagnant there. The incumbents have been there for nine years. It is all about renewal. I bring with me a young, passionate team who support Clare 110%.''
Mr Page is also the secretary of the Labour electorate committee (LEC) for Dunedin South.
