As the dispute over the Kuomintang's nomination for Changhua County magistrate continues, New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan has indicated he will head south to help with campaigning once the city council's general interpellation session ends — a move seen as aiding party unity.

• Liu said that once New Taipei City Council's general interpellation wraps up in the middle to latter part of September, he will go down to help as long as Wei Ping-cheng needs him.
• The controversy arose after Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huei-mei revealed that she had recommended the party's central leadership nominate Liu Ho-jan rather than the current candidate, Wei Ping-cheng.
• Liu stressed that at this stage his focus remains on assisting Mayor Hou Yu-ih in advancing New Taipei City's administration, adding that he has already recorded a video message of support for Wei Ping-cheng.
• In August he contacted Wei Ping-cheng and apologised for being unable to appear at a campaign event because of his municipal duties.
• As a native of Changhua, he praised Wang Huei-mei's record in office and said the county's development must not be handed off to the wrong runner.

Outlook: Liu Ho-jan's actual campaign appearances from late September onwards will serve as an indicator of whether the Kuomintang can consolidate its position in the Changhua race.