Ilam is a New Zealand parliamentary electorate. Formed for the , it was held by Gerry Brownlee of the National Party until the , when Sarah Pallett of the Labour Party unseated Brownlee in an upset victory. Population centres Encompassing many of Christchurch's most affluent suburbs, Ilam was considered a safe National seat until the . The electorate includes the suburbs of Riccarton (north of Riccarton Road), Upper Riccarton, Fendalton, Burnside, Avonhead, Merivale, Bishopdale, Ilam, Russley and Bryndwr. In 2008, the boundaries were Deans Avenue, the Avon River, Bealey Avenue, Papanui Road, Harewood Road, Russley Road, Ansonby Street, Cutts Road, Yaldhurst Road and Riccarton Road. The 2013/14 redistribution did not alter the boundaries of the Ilam electorate. The 2020 redistribution, however, added Avonhead from and a large section of around McLeans Island and Christchurch Airport. History The Ilam electorate was formed for the , mostly evolving from the electorate. Gerry Brownlee from the National Party was the first elected representative and held the electorate until 2020, when he lost the electorate to Labour's Sarah Pallett in an upset. Members of Parliament Unless otherwise stated, all MPs terms began and ended at a general election. Key List MPs Members of Parliament elected from party lists in elections where that person also unsuccessfully contested the Ilam electorate. Unless otherwise stated, all MPs terms began and ended at general elections. Election results 2020 election 2017 election 2014 election 2011 election 2008 election 2005 election 2002 election 1999 election 1996 election Notes References New Zealand electorates Politics of Christchurch