Researcher first to try for city nomination

Former United Nations diplomat and prime ministerial adviser Grant Robertson has formally joined the race to replace Marian Hobbs as MP for Wellington Central.

Mr Robertson, a research marketing manager for Otago University, said he believed he was the first to lodge his nomination to represent Labour in central Wellington.

He is running a tight race with Labour list MP Charles Chauvel to win the right to represent Labour in the high-profile seat to be vacated by Ms Hobbs at the next election.

She held the seat in 2005 with a majority of 6180 over National's Mark Blumsky.

Whoever wins the Labour nomination is likely to face a strong challenge from National's shadow attorney-general Chris Finlayson. Mr Robertson, Mr Chauvel and Mr Finlayson are all openly gay.

New boundaries are not expected to make much change to the seat's political leanings.

Mr Robertson, 35, said he was optimistic but would not say who was favoured by the electorate committee or Labour's head office.

"I have worked hard in the electorate ... alongside Marian. I'm not going to comment on anyone else's abilities but I am confident I've got the experience and the connections to do well."

A former president of the University Students Association, he worked for Ms Hobbs as an adviser for 18 months followed by 312 years as an adviser to Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Mr Chauvel said he had not expected anyone to be the "anointed candidate" and so was not surprised at Mr Robertson's announcement.

"Grant is a very good person. He's got great skills and I think if he were to get the selection he would be an excellent candidate."

He would not confirm his nomination till closer to the October 6 deadline.

- © Fairfax NZ News