Carter out of SWDC elections

PHOTO/FILE

Lee Carter has pulled out of her dual campaign for the South Wairarapa mayoralty and Featherston ward on medical advice.

South Wairarapa District Council electoral officer Warwick Lampp confirmed the town councillor would not be on the ballot sheet.

“After discussions with Lee, I’m asking the media and public to respect her privacy at this time as she has indicated she won’t be making any public comment,” Lampp said.

“This is of course disappointing news for Lee, and we wish her a speedy recovery.”

Carter, a mother and grandmother, was elected to Featherston ward in 2016. She had served as the town’s community board chairwoman for the previous three years.

She was raised in Featherston and moved back to Wairarapa, settling in Martinborough and then returning home.

Carter’s withdrawal leaves four candidates in the race for mayor.

Incumbent Viv Napier faces challenges from former SWDC councillor Dayle Harwood, Martinborough resident Alex Beijen and Graham Farr.

Farr is also contesting the mayoral elections in Carterton and Masterton.