The Prime Minister has been in a city that has the makings of a nasty political sore at the next election.
Former minister David Benson-Pope still won't rule out running as an independent against Labour in Dunedin south.
He was sacked as a minister last year for not telling the truth, and then deselected as Labour's candidate.
Today Helen Clark found herself standing next to him and his replacement.
As Helen Clark arrived in Dunedin today, she was greeted by the man she sacked and the party dumped - David Benson-Pope.
There is a suggestion here Benson-Pope -the Dunedin south MP may stand as an independent against Labour's newly selected candidate Clare Curran. And he wasn't doing much to quell the speculation, refusing to comment.
If Benson-Pope confirmed a challenge, it would break Labour's internal rules and he would be expelled from the party, but he may announce it closer to the election. The Prime Minister admits, he hasn't told her anything.
Labour carefully kept Curran and Benson-Pope apart today, Curran appearing with Clark in the afternoon, Benson-Pope in the morning.
Party insiders have told 3 News Benson-Pope is hurting and playing mind games to intimidate Curran. Curran thinks he won't stand against her.
“I do believe what he said in party meetings that he has no intention of standing," says Clare Curran.
David Benson-Pope had the chance today to be unequivocal with his answers, but chose not to.