16 Facts About Gary Knapp

Gary Thomas Knapp was born on 1947 and is a former New Zealand politician of the Social Credit Party.

Gary Knapp went into business and owned his own rental firm until he sold it in 1978.

Gary Knapp then worked part time as a real estate agent until 1980.

Gary Knapp later changed his affiliation in 1977 and joined the Social Credit Party.

Gary Knapp later became the Member of Parliament for East Coast Bays when he defeated National candidate Don Brash at a 1980 by-election caused by the resignation of the sitting National MP.

Gary Knapp joined Bruce Beetham in parliament, where they both had high profiles.

In 1981 Gary Knapp was elected deputy leader at the party's annual conference.

Beetham continued as leader despite losing his seat and in 1985 Gary Knapp failed to convince him to stand aside.

Beetham did endorse Gary Knapp to succeed him whenever he chose to retire.

Beetham kept stalling his retirement leading to Gary Knapp resigning as deputy leader in protest.

The next year Morrison resigned as leader and Gary Knapp was elected at the party's 1988 conference as leader.

Gary Knapp claimed the move was "petty" and would cost him $10,000 a year in air fares and claimed it was motivated by a government wishing to restrict the movements of its political opponents.

In 1990, Gary Knapp was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.

Gary Knapp led the Democrats at the 1990 election and contested East Coast Bays without success.

Gary Knapp decided to step down as leader at the 1991 party conference.

Gary 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.