Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
In March this year, Ibrahim Omer – a list MP since 2020 – was selected as Labour’s candidate in Wellington Central at this year’s election.
Arriving in New Zealand as a refugee in 2008, Ibrahim rose through the trade union movement and became first a list MP in 2020, before deciding to stand in Wellington Central. To win the nomination he had to beat a strong slate of competitors.
"It's going to be tough given all the candidates involved. But we're into it to win it - I have no plan B."
Up against Tamatha Paul of the Green Party, Scott Sheeran of National and Natalia Albert of Opportunities Party, if Ibrahim wins, he takes over from Grant Robertson who’s held the seat since 2008. He calls Robertson his mentor and friend and they now share the electorate office in Wellington's Willis Street.
Ibrahim Omer talks to Kadambari Raghukumar in this episode of the Voices podcast, on his journey into politics so far and what the nomination means for him. Listen to the full conversation here:
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