Former Police Association president Greg O'Connor has announced he wants to stand as Labour's candidate against United Future's Peter Dunne in Wellington's Ōhāriu electorate.
"I want to be part of a government which is focused on ensuring all New Zealanders receive proper housing, education, health care and jobs. And part of a government that strives for a safe and secure society for all its members," Mr O'Connor said in a statement.
Labour leader Andrew Little said on Tuesday that Mr O'Connor has expressed an interest in going into Parliament, but a selection for the seat has not yet been made.
Mr Little said Mr O'Connor "lines up perfectly with our view that we need to have a well-resourced police force that's able to respond to the needs that people who are victims of crime actually have".
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Mr O'Connor says he has lived, worked and played for sports teams in the Ōhāriu electorate over many years and has close ties to the community, "so standing in that electorate is a natural fit".
He is also involved in the intellectual disability sector and is a director of a commercial business.
Mr O'Connor does admit it will be a challenge to beat long-serving Mr Dunne, but said that if he was selected, he would have an enthusiastic and talented team helping him represent Ohariu.
Newshub.
