Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) president Sam Broughton has lost his mayoralty in dramatic fashion, suffering a landslide defeat in Selwyn District to challenger Lydia Gliddon.
Gliddon secured more than 15,000 votes to Broughton’s 4,000, ending his nine-year tenure and fourth-term bid. Her decisive victory reflects growing voter appetite for change amid mounting dissatisfaction with LGNZ itself. In recent years, several councils have quit the organisation, citing concerns it had become too aligned with central government and out of touch with local needs.
Broughton’s loss now leaves LGNZ without a sitting mayor at its helm, deepening questions about the group’s relevance and leadership at a time when member confidence is already eroding.
This article was originally published by the Daily Telegraph New Zealand.
