Raf Manji confirms he will run for the Ilam seat as an independent in this year's general election.

An electoral showdown is brewing in the Ilam seat in northwest Christchurch.

Christchurch City councillor Raf Manji is considering running as an independent in the electorate, sources have told Stuff, against Government earthquake boss and National Party heavyweight Gerry Brownlee.

Brownlee confirmed this week he is seeking re-election in the seat he has held since 1996, while Manji has been taking advice from political confidantes about a non-partisan bid.

Manji's run would add interest to a race in what has been a safe blue seat for decades. He romped to victory in the Waimairi ward – which sits within Ilam's boundaries – during last October's local body elections, and has had a high profile at council as finance spokesman for the last three years. Ilam, and its predecessor Fendalton, have been a National stronghold since World War II. Brownlee has held the seat with a majority of more than 10,000 votes at the last three elections. Even at the height of the last Labour government, he was never seriously challenged.

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Manji declined to comment on Thursday. Brownlee's office confirmed his candidacy, but the minister would not comment further. Manji would not be required to vacate his council seat while he contested the general election, but if he resigned at any point it would trigger a by-election.

ROBERT KITCHIN/FAIRFAX NZ Gerry Brownlee has held the Ilam seat for National since 1996.

Green Party Ilam candidate David Lee, a Wellington City councillor, said Manji's stand brought an "extra dynamic" to the electorate race.

"I think both of us have that experience in politics and a valuable skill set. He's got a strong environmental background, I've got a strong urban planning background. I think we've got a lot to offer."

That was bad news for Brownlee, he said.

IAIN MCGREGOR/FAIRFAX NZ Raf Manji worked in London's financial markets for a decade and is on his second term as a Christchurch City councillor.

"I think Gerry would be nervous. Or he should be.

"He gets the popular vote but he's not popular. I think it'll be a different race this year. There are options now . . . He's passed his used by date. I think his time is up."

Political commentator Bryce Edwards rated Manji as having "no chance" in Ilam. Independent candidates had "a track record of absolute failure" in New Zealand general elections, he said.

"An intelligent person like Raf would know that there's no chance of success against Gerry Brownlee and so he must have some other motive for competing, but it's not clear what that is.

"Maybe he does want to enter national politics and this is his way of raising a flag to other parties about his availability."

Labour Party candidate Anthony Rimell​ – who ran unsuccessfully in the Waimairi ward last year – said he was not aware of Manji's plans, but welcomed a new contender.

"I think that's real evidence Gerry is an unpopular local MP.

"It's great to see the seat's getting a bit of coverage. It'll obviously raise it's profile."

Water quality, housing affordability and state house sales were key issues in northwest Christchurch, he said.

Manji, who worked in London's financial markets for a decade, is chairman of the city council's Finance and Performance Committee and deputy chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

He was tipped to be deputy mayor this term, but the position went to Banks Peninsula councillor Andrew Turner.