Gary Knapp
Gary Thomas Knapp is a former New Zealand politician of the Social Credit Party.Political career
He became Member of Parliament for in 1980 when he defeated National candidate Don Brash in the caused by the resignation of the sitting National MP. Knapp joined Bruce Beetham in parliament, where they both had high profiles.
In the, while Beetham lost to a National Party challenger, Knapp retained, and another Social Credit candidate, Neil Morrison, won. Beetham continued as leader despite losing his seat and in 1985 Knapp failed to convince him to stand aside. Knapp resigned as deputy leader in protest.
But in the Knapp and Morrison were both defeated by National candidates, see Social Credit Party. Knapp also stood in the without success.
Knapp was always critical of the Democrats decision to join the Alliance which he charged with overwhelming the Democrats identity due to being dominated by the NewLabour Party and in 1996 he quit the party. Following his breaking with the Democrats he was involved with New Zealand First.
