Act "has changed"

Lindsay Mitchell offers an explanation:

There is discussion around the blogs about ACT's list announcement today. No, I am not the mystery number 5 person. I don't play games.

I was offered 14 and turned it down. This is why;

In 2005 I was ranked 9. This was a strong placing given ACT had nine MPs with two retiring. It was a vote of confidence in my abilities and suitability to be ACT MP.

This year, with only two MPs, I was offered a rank of 14. Something has changed and it isn't my performance or philosophy. I've continued to build a profile as a welfare commentator, securing regular interviews and a regular spot on a well-rating Wellington radio show. I've supported ACT positions at select committee level and continued to increase my knowledge of parliamentary process.

In the Hutt South electorate our steady fund-raising has continued to build one of the strongest electorate campaign funds. Whenever asked to deliver material or represent ACT I have obliged. Our electorate support has remained healthy as evidenced by my Petone Working Men's Club launch in July which sold out. I have the continuing endorsement of two high profile New Zealanders - Sir Bob Jones and Michael Bassett.

More could be said but I return to my main point. Whatever ACT wants has changed. What that is, is no longer clear to me, so I wouldn't accept a place on the list.

This is pretty much the guts of what I told Rodney in an e-mail by way of explanation.

Tell me what Act are all about again?

Rodney, Heather, Sir Roger, John Boscawen and the mystery special guest star are going to add what to the National government? They would have to support a National one no matter what its political hue and no matter who its coalition or support partners are; so why should these characters get any portfolios? John Key has already vetoed Douglas out of the Cabinet. They are in the same position relative to the Greens and Labour. It's a difficult and unrewarding situation.