Andrew Little

Wellington, July 1 NZPA - Labour Party President Andrew Little says he may put his name forward to stand in the New Plymouth electorate but hasn't made his mind up yet.

Mr Little, sometimes touted as a possible future party leader, told NZPA he was considering whether to stand and whether that would be in an electorate or in a seat or a combination.

It was not just up to him, the party would have a view.

Mr Little, a lawyer who also heads the Engineering and Printing Manufacturing Union, said it was no secret that he was interested in becoming an MP. The question was when, but if it was for the next election he would need to act soon.

"If it involves a seat then obviously I have got to at least make a nomination before the first of September this year because the last group we are selecting for is the group that we opened nominations for today."

Mr Little agreed New Plymouth would be a good fit for him.

"I grew up in New Plymouth so I do know New Plymouth reasonably well.'

TV3 reported sources in the party saying that he would be nominated for New Plymouth. The seat was the most marginal in the last election, with the incumbent Labour's Harry Duynhoven losing to National's Jonathan Young by just 105 votes. Mr Duynhoven is not standing again.