Conservative Party chief executive Christine Rankin has announced she will contest the seat of Epsom in September's election.
Ms Rankin, who is the former Work and Income chief executive, will go up against ACT's David Seymour in the controversial seat, held for ACT by John Banks before he resigned.
The National Party is encouraging its supporters to give their electorate vote to Mr Seymour, to ensure a potential support partner in Government.
Christine Rankin said she expected to take votes from David Seymour which could hamper ACT's hopes of again securing the seat.
Christine Rankin and Conservative leader Colin Craig. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
