By Duncan Garner
National Party President Peter Goodfellow faces a challenge for his job at this weekend’s annual conference in Auckland.
Goodfellow has only been president for a year – a job which involves fundraising and running the party organisation.
He was a controversial president from the start, when his marriage broke up. Now, one of his harshest critics says he is lazy and not doing enough.
Mr Goodfellow’s job will be put to the vote at National’s annual conference this weekend.
Right-wing blogger Whaleoil, real name Cameron Slater, is the son of a former party president and says Mr Goodfellow is lazy and should go.
A total of there board seats are up for grabs this weekend with four men chasing them.
The president then gets voted in by the board.
“Delegates should rank Peter Goodfellow last,” says Mr Slater.
Mr Goodfellow has fallen short, he says.
“We know there has been no substantial donations, he can’t claim to have raised funds.”
Mr Goodfellow refused to appear on camera, but told 3 News he has achieved “in a bunch of areas”.
“Cameron Slater represents an intransigent view. I’m certainly getting a lot of support and I’m standing on my record.”
One man, Aucklander Alan Towers wants Mr Goodfellow’s spot on the board.
A senior party strategist told 3 News nothing is certain.
“It’s really just a small bunch of Auckland malcontents. I detect no burning desire for change.”
Prime Minister John Key says he supports Mr Goodfellow and it’s most unlikely the party will want to embarrass Mr Key by forcing a change.
So Mr Goodfellow should hold on, but clearly has his critics within his own party.
3 News