Labour-aligned People’s Choice councillor Pauline Cotter has distanced herself from Christchurch Central MP Duncan Webb’s endorsement of Sara Templeton for mayor.

It follows Webb’s on-record backing of Templeton, made during an interview with Chris Lynch Media, in which he ruled himself out of the mayoral race but declared: “Sara Templeton would make a great Mayor, and I wish her well on her campaign… Oh yeah, absolutely. I’m happy to endorse Sara. I hope she goes really well.”

Cotter, who represents the Innes ward, said: “I believe that was Duncan’s personal view which he is entitled to. No further comment from me on this.”

Webb’s support for Templeton, a former Green Party member and current Heathcote ward councillor, has drawn criticism from across the council.

Fendalton ward councillor James Gough said the endorsement, made on Friday morning, was ill-timed.

“I feel there’s little to gain from sitting MPs endorsing mayoral candidates, especially when they’re meant to work constructively with whoever the public elects.

“Having a sitting Labour MP publicly back a former Green Party member during a State of Emergency in Christchurch feels oddly timed. The city is dealing with significant weather impacts, and I’d expect our representatives—regardless of party—to be focused on the response, not political positioning.”

“No, I won’t be endorsing Sara Templeton for mayor. I’m more interested in the city’s immediate priorities than early campaigning or what looks like party-aligned deal-making.”

Waimairi ward councillor Sam MacDonald said: “It’s very clear a deal has been done where Labour won’t run a candidate so that they can support the Greens.”

Coastal ward councillor Kelly Barber said he supports incumbent Mayor Phil Mauger.

“Ever since I met him I liked the way he tackled problems, engaged with residents, staff and other councillors and I feel he’s done a good job for the city. Of course at the end of the day it’s the people of Christchurch who decide whom they want for Mayor, not me, and so I’ll work with whomever they choose.”

Harewood councillor Aaron Keown said Webb’s comments were “hilarious.”

“He just finished trying to tell Chris why prisoners should be allowed to vote then went on to tell the people of Christchurch who they should vote for mayor.”

“Political endorsements are underhanded and not good for Christchurch’s relationship with Wellington.

“Phil will work with whoever is in government to get the best outcomes for Christchurch, whereas it appears there are deals being done between Labour and the Greens over who should be mayor.”

“I love Phil’s honesty and independence and the people of Harewood will be in no doubt who my running mate will be in October.

“Phil and I will always do what’s best for Christchurch and not what’s best for a political party or radical ideology.”

Central ward councillor Tim Scandrett said “Firstly I don’t endorse any candidate as I am politically neutral.

“The people of Christchurch vote for who they want as Mayor, and I will—as I have always done—work to my best ability alongside whoever the ratepayers vote in. That doesn’t mean I will always support their policies or decisions, but I will never work to undermine them.”

“I admire anyone who stands up in public for this role; however, I do not endorse candidates, that’s for the voting public to do.”

“And as for Duncan Webb endorsing Sara Templeton’s mayoral campaign, I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone.”

Cashmere ward councillor Victoria Henstock was also critical of Templeton’s candidacy.

“As an independent, I will not be endorsing Sara Templeton. As per my previous comments I have not seen anything from her that gives me confidence that she can lead Council or unite the city. I question her ability to process opinions other than her own. This is a key skill needed by the mayor who must be able to work with others and find common ground on issues.”

“Although I respect Sara for stepping forward for the role, she is politically motivated, diligent, and extremely passionate about her green causes. Now it seems she is also aligning with the Labour Party. Central government politics has no place at the Christchurch City Council table.”

“The city is moving forward with renewed confidence. There is real momentum and optimism in the air. We need a mayor who can harness that energy—someone focused on unity, sound financial management, and keeping rate increases in check. I do not think Sara has the ability to be the leader we need.”

Webb’s comments mark the first official endorsement from a sitting Labour MP in the city’s 2025 mayoral campaign.

National’s Ilam MP Hamish Campbell, who also participated in the interview, declined to endorse any candidate.

“That’s up to the people of Christchurch to decide. As a local MP, we have to work with whoever is Mayor to get the best outcome for the city.”

Webb responded: “I think it’s funny that Hamish is so equivocal on who would make a good leader. It’s about leadership of the city. It’s important. I think a politician in a position like Hamish or I have should put a stake in the ground.”

Templeton is expected to campaign on climate action, transport reform, and urban planning. She will face Mayor Phil Mauger in what is shaping up to be a sharply contested race.

All other Labour MPs based in Christchurch were contacted for comment but did not respond.