EXCLUSIVE: Disgraced councillor now trying to stand as NZ First candidate

The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that disgraced Waikato Regional Councillor Robert Cookson – one of the so-called ‘Rates Control Team’ who u-turned on his pre-election pledge just six months into the job – has put himself forward for selection to stand as a New Zealand First candidate.

Jordan Williams, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:

“Robert Cookson is a man in politics for pure self-interest. He’s proven to voters his contempt for democracy by failing to keep his word. And now that he's cooked his goose in local government, he's greasing up to NZ First for another gig.”

“Unlike the Rates Control Team, NZ First is a party of conviction and integrity. NZ First must not let this turncoat sneak into the party.”

“The Taxpayers’ Union would certainly ensure local voters are aware of Mr Cookson’s record in local government should he run for Parliament. The billboards would write themselves.”