Soper to leave politics; throws support behind Crackett
“I have seen too many people in politics who know their time has come but ignore that knowledge. I do not intend to be one of those who stays too long and lose credibility and edge.”
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Lesley Soper has announced she will leave politics in October and has thrown her support behind Alex Crackett in her bid to become Invercargill’s next mayor.
Soper - a three-term Invercargill City Councillor - has made the decision not to re-stand at October’s local body election, ending a lengthy stint in politics.
Soper first stood for public office in 1993, and has since been a candidate in 15 elections, has been an elected Health Board member, Labour Member of Parliament, and more latterly an Invercargill City Councillor.
“There comes a point in politics when you know it is your time to stand down with dignity,” Soper said.
“I have been an active and involved contributor in all my roles, but at 70 years of age, I know it is time to stand aside for others to make their contributions.
“I have seen too many people in politics who know their time has come but ignore that knowledge. I do not intend to be one of those who stay too long and lose credibility and edge.”
While Soper believed her time was up, she felt it was fellow current councillor Alex Crackett’s time to become Invercargill’s mayor.
“Alex Crackett has announced that 2025 is the right time for her to put herself forward as Mayor of Invercargill.
“I agree and will be supporting her campaign for the mayoralty. Alex, who is also a three-term city councillor, is young, fresh, enthusiastic, and experienced.
“In the three terms we have been on council together, I have seen her significantly grow into the role and demonstrate that she does her research, collaborates and builds relationships well and uses sound judgment in decision-making.”
Soper felt any other candidate who has so far announced a bid for mayor would be “same old, same old”.
“Invercargill does not need [that] at this time. I look forward to Alex bringing a new and fresh perspective to all the future challenges of local body politics, at a time when Invercargill is poised for significant future developments.”
Other current elected members who have announced their mayoral bids to date are Tom Campbell, Ian Pottinger, and Ria Bond.
Time we had a bit of youth and energy heading the city