Jacqueline Taylor poised to take seat in shock upset victory over former councillor Tom Belford
Ex-Aucklander Jacqueline Taylor has upset the odds to beat former regional councillor Tom Belford in a by-election for the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
The vacancy was caused by the resignation of former councillor and chairman Rex Graham in June following the return of his cancer.
Taylor won with 4919 votes in a race that was split three ways because candidate Joe Walding-Karaitiana, who withdrew less than 24-hours after nominations closed, was still on the ballot.
He received 2361 votes and potentially could have taken votes away from Belford, who received 3037.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chair Rick Barker was quick to speak to the result and congratulated Taylor.
“Congratulations to Jacqueline Taylor in what is a clear win and a job well done,” says Mr Barker.
“I acknowledge the other two candidates in this process and thank them for the courage to put their names forward. I’d also like to thank those in the Hastings community who took the time and effort to vote and contribute to this result, under the more challenging time of a COVID lockdown.
"It is an exciting time for the Regional Council to welcome Ms Taylor as we implement our new Long Term Plan with a strong focus on climate change and water. I’m sure the Council and the wider Hawke’s Bay community are looking forward to her strong, positive contribution,” added Mr Barker.
