Gary Knapp
Gary Knapp | |
---|---|
3rd Leader of the Democratic Party | |
In office 1988–1991 | |
Preceded by | Neil Morrison |
Succeeded by | John Wright |
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for East Coast Bays | |
In office 1980–1987 | |
Preceded by | Frank Gill |
Succeeded by | Murray McCully |
Personal details | |
Born | 1947 (age 70–71) |
Political party |
Social Credit (1978-85) Democrats (1985-96) |
Other political affiliations | New Zealand First |
Garry Thomas Knapp (born 1947) was a New Zealand politician of the Social Credit Party.
Early life and career
Knapp was born 1947. Before entering politics he worked as a used car salesman.
Political career
New Zealand Parliament | ||||
Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
1980–1981 | 39th | East Coast Bays | Social Credit | |
1981–1984 | 40th | East Coast Bays | Social Credit | |
1984–1985 | 41st | East Coast Bays | Social Credit | |
1985–1987 | Changed allegiance to: | Democrats |
He became Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays in 1980 when he defeated National candidate Don Brash in the 1980 by-election caused by the resignation of the sitting National MP. Knapp joined Bruce Beetham in parliament, where they both had high profiles.
In the 1984 election, while Beetham lost Rangitikei to a National Party challenger, Knapp retained East Coast Bays, and another Social Credit candidate, Neil Morrison, won Pakuranga. But in the 1987 election Knapp and Morrison were both defeated by National candidates, see Social Credit Party (New Zealand). Knapp also stood in the 1990 election without success.
Knapp was always critical of the Democrats decision to join the Alliance which he charged with overwhelming the Democrats identity due to being dominated by the NewLabour Party and in 1996 he quit the party.[1] Following his breaking with the Democrats he was involved with New Zealand First.[2]
Notes
References
- Wilson, James Oakley (1985) [First published in 1913]. New Zealand Parliamentary Record, 1840–1984 (4th ed.). Wellington: V.R. Ward, Govt. Printer. OCLC 154283103.
New Zealand Parliament | ||
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Preceded by Frank Gill |
Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays 1980–1987 |
Succeeded by Murray McCully |