at the time, taylor had been one of new zealand's most colourful politicians. naturally, when it came to discussions around his succession in the christchurch north electorate, a focus was on people who could advance some of the causes that had been important to taylor. the two politicians mentioned in this context were leonard isitt and james mccombs. the next general election was not too far away and mccombs had already committed himself to contest christchurch east, and he thus declined. he also stated that he was too busy during the by-election campaign period, as he had committed himself to organise the taylor memorial fund, for which he was secretary.