In 1947, election were held for the Mayor of Wellington plus other local government positions including fifteen city councillors.

The Citizens' Association reselected the incumbent mayor Will Appleton.

When the Wellington Labour Representation Committee met to discuss the municipal elections a motion to put up a mayoral candidate was carried by only thirty-seven votes to thirty-five.

[2] Ultimately it selected Newtown businessman Nathan Richard Seddon as its candidate.

[3] He was the Chairman of the Wellington Education Board and a grand nephew of Richard Seddon, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand.