Top organiser for Socred campaign

Press, 10 May 1985, Page 4

Top organiser for Socred campaign

The architect of recent Social Credit election victories, Mr Henry Raynel, is putting his reputation on the line at the Timaru by-elec-tion. The Auckland retailer and investor is recognised as the behind-the-scenes campaigner responsible for the party’s successes in Rangatikei (1978), East Coast Bays (1980), and Pakuranga (1984). Mr Raynel arrived in Timaru yesterday to organise the campaign of Social Credit’s candidate, Mrs Lyn-

ley Simmons. He is optimistic in spite of Mrs Simmons’ poor showing in last year’s snap election. She polled 1217 votes compared with Labour (11,033), National (8814), and the New Zealand Party (1855). “I’m not interested in working for a loser. My time is precious ... I am selective where I work. I’m not prepared to waste my time on a candidate who is not prepared to do a good job,” he said.

Mr Raynel is confident Mrs Simmons can emulate the success last year of Social Credit’s candidate in Pakuranga, Mr Neil Morrison, who won in spite of a big swing against the Government.

He was reluctant to give details of his campaign strategy although hinted that it would concentrate on “person-to-person” work. Mr Raynel has been a Social Credit supporter since the party was formed in the early 19505. i n