Sir George Chapman wary on party issue

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 3

Sir George Chapman wary on party issue

PA Auckland A former president of the National Party, Sir George Chapman, has had several approaches asking him to lead the party again. Sir George said yesterday that offers had come informally over the last nine months "from people who look back to the ‘good old days’ and years of success for the party.” However, he said that he had not contemplated standing against his successor, Mrs Sue Wood. "It would be inappropriate my saying I was available,” he said.

Even if conditions allowed him to consider a return, chances he would stand were “very slim,” said Sir George. Sir George, who led the party for nine years to three election victories,

said that last year’s public wrangles in National’s Parliamentary and organisational wings had caused considerable disturbance among the grassroots. The problems were a by-product of the 1984 General Election loss, after which he predicted National’s biggest problem would be settling into an effective Opposition, said Sir George. This year would be crucial for rebuilding if the party were to have any chance in next year’s election.

Sir George said forecasts were for a tough year economically and Labour would not go to the polls before March next year.

The National executive’s decision not to expel Dr Shearer means the

former Cabinet Minister has held off legal action against executive members. (He is taking a defamation action against Mrs Wood.) It also leaves the way open for Dr Shearer to challenge Mrs Wood for the presidency again this year. He said earlier he would stand, but is now reconsidering his position. Dr Shearer shrugged off the executive’s reprimand and said a majority decision for him

to stay in the party was a vindication for his stand and a vote of no-confid-ence in Mrs Wood. He said he would continue to seek answers to questions first raised at last year’s party conference, which began the controversy that led to his suspension and reinstatement.