Hekia Parata in talks with Nick Leggett

Nick Leggett (file)
Nick Leggett (file)

Departing National Party MP Hekia Parata has confirmed she has approached former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett to replace her as National's candidate in the Porirua electorate of Mana.

“There are a number of people who thoroughly know Porirua and I have certainly had conversations with Nick,” she says.

Mr Leggett used to be a paid up member of the Labour Party, but the relationship soured when he challenged Labour's Justin Lester for the Wellington mayoralty.

“There are people interested in this highly desirable electorate,” says Ms Parata.

It comes after Newshub revealed Mr Leggett is not ruling out the possibility of jumping ship and joining National.

Newshub.