Founded 1921 Preceded by Citizens' League Ideology Fiscal conservatism | Dissolved 1950 Succeeded by Citizens' Association Political position Centre-right | |
The Civic League (CL), was a right-leaning local body electoral ticket in Wellington, New Zealand. It was formed in 1921, with the goal to control the Wellington City Council to both reduce local spending and block left-leaning Labour Party candidates being elected.
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History
The Civic League was founded in mid-1921 with a constitution written out and objectives outlined. The body grew from the earlier organisation, the Welfare League, to lower local government expenditure. Another organisation that helped in its founding was the Town-Planning Association, who remained as its own body rather than merging with the Civic League. One of the leading figure's in its establishment was David McLaren who, ironically, was Wellington's first Labour mayor in 1912. He became estranged from the Labour movement during World War I, being a firm supporter of the war and conscription. The League controlled the council for most of the time from its inception, through World War II and ensured that another Labour mayor was not to be elected until 1956.
Mayors
The following mayors of Wellington were elected on Civic League tickets: