Summarised by Centrist
Former Financial Markets Authority chair Craig Stobo will stand for New Zealand First in Botany against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Stobo, who has a long background in finance and government, resigned from the FMA in May after an independent investigation found his public political commentary breached neutrality requirements.
The review found comments by Stobo amounted to an endorsement of the National-led Government and criticism of the former Labour Government. He had praised Luxon’s coalition management and ministers including Simeon Brown, Erica Stanford and NZ First leader Winston Peters.
In one published comment, Stobo said the coalition was continuing “the great unwind” of what he called the previous Government’s “atrocious policy settings”.
Although the comments were made under other professional titles, reviewer Wendy Aldred KC found Stobo’s prominence as FMA chair meant that distinction made little practical difference.
The investigation concluded there was “just cause” for the responsible minister to recommend his removal from the FMA board. Stobo resigned before that occurred.
NZ First described Stobo as a “tremendous asset to the team”.
Stobo said his willingness to speak frankly was part of what he would bring to politics, saying he wanted to represent people who shared his views and wanted their representatives to be outspoken on issues affecting them and their families.
Luxon has held Botany comfortably since entering Parliament in 2020.
Re-published from the Centrist with permission
