Puma Shen, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, is preparing to reach across the blue, green and white camps to call on several former mayors and political figures. The move works in his favour as he courts centrist voters, but it could prove awkward within the DPP.

• Shen has confirmed he will travel south to Tainan to call on former president Chen Shui-bian, and his team is finalising the date.
• The list of those he plans to consult also includes Ma Ying-jeou, Hau Lung-bin, Ko Wen-je, Huang Ta-chou and Jaw Shaw-kong, with Shen stressing that party affiliation is not a factor.
• The point of contention is that he once described Ma Ying-jeou as a "united front middleman", yet is now calling on him for advice.
• He also spent years urging green-camp supporters not to vote for Ko Wen-je, and Ko is likewise on the list.
• This shift in posture has raised questions about whether it will displease President Lai Ching-te.

Outlook: If the visits do go ahead, the reaction from the blue and white camps and the grumbling within the DPP will be the next focus of the Taipei mayoral race.