Embattled Auckland Mayor Len Brown, who has previously been unequivocal in his statements that he will not resign (most recently on Campbell Live last Friday), was vague on the question when questioned by TVNZ this afternoon.
Asked by Lisa Owen if he would quit, Mayor Brown replied, "Oh, I think that we will just, um, await for an assessment of the council tomorrow and then we’ll go from there (see full interview transcript below)."
At a 10am meeting tomorrow, the Mayor faces formal censure from the council, plus a bid - so far backed by a minority of councillors - to pass a no-confidence motion.
Even if the motion passes, it will be up to Mayor Brown whether he resigns or not.
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RAW DATA: TVNZ's Lisa Owen questions Len Brown:
LO: What do you think of the views of these people [street protestors] here, behind you?
LB: They’re expressing their own view democratically and I accept that and acknowledge it.
LO: How determined are you to stay in position as the mayor of Auckland?
LB: Oh, I think that we will just, um, await for an assessment of the council tomorrow and then we’ll go from there.
LO: Are you determined to stay on in your job or are you considering resigning?
LB: Look, I’m just listening to what has been said and then we’ll reflect on the final decision tomorrow from the council
LO: Are you leaving the door open then to resignation, it sounds like you are?
LB: Look, I just think that it’s important for the… (heckling) it’s going to be really hard to get interviewed here
Watch the full interview here.
NBR Staff
Wed, 18 Dec 2013
Wed, 18 Dec 2013
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For first time, Brown does not rule out resignation
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