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Prime Minister John Key - Source: Reuters -
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A by-election in the Mt Albert electorate to fill the seat left vacant by former prime minister Helen Clark's resignation from parliament will be held on June 13, Prime Minister John Key has announced.
Clark held the seat with a 10,350 majority in last year's election but Labour's lead over National in the party vote was only 2,426.
That showed that while Clark was personally popular, the choice between the main parties was much closer.
National is expected to fight hard to win the seat with Key playing a big role in the campaign.
He told reporters on Monday Mt Albert is considered a safe Labour seat and he does not think National has ever held it.
Key confirmed he will play a part in the campaign.
"But I won't be in Mt Albert every second day, that's for sure," he says.
Nominations have to be in by May 19, and both the main parties are involved in selecting their candidates.
Labour list MP Phil Twyford is considered the front-runner and one of National's new list MPs, Melissa Lee, has put up her hand.
Both the main parties have received several nominations and are considering their choices.
There has been speculation Labour might not want to stand a list MP because that would open up a slot for former MP Judith Tizard to return to parliament.
Labour rejuvenated its ranks before the last election and has a crop of new MPs in parliament.
Party leader Phil Goff said last week he did not have a problem with Tizard returning.
