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ACT's Dunedin North candidate has resigned over leader Jamie Whyte's claims of Maori privilege.
Guy McCallum, who was vice-chair of ACT on Campus and a regional representative on the party's national council, told Otago University student newspaper Critic that Mr Whyte told a small group of ACT supporters in late July that he was looking for a stunt to boost the party's poll ratings.
He followed up a week later with a speech to the party's Waikato Conference calling for a task force to purge the law books of race-based legislation.
Mr McCullum says Mr Whyte has countered critics of the speech, including Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy, with derision, saying they haven't read his speech or have ulterior political motives.
He says other party members are concerned ACT is focusing on fear and prejudice to gain votes, rather than promoting classic liberal and libertarian policies.
Act's policies are now about reminding voters of scary burglars, zealous bureaucrats with a hidden green agenda, and resentful Maori of taking an equal placing.
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