Nick James, Journalist

Two more Wellington council candidates running under the Independent Together ticket have left the group following mayoral candidate Ray Chung's email about Tory Whanau.

In a press release, the group confirmed that Andrea Compton and Dan Milward had left their organisation to campaign independently of it.

It follows fellow candidate Lily Brown's announcement on Wednesday that she would not run with the group either.

She said she did not feel aligned with tactics employed by Better Wellington who has helped run Independent Together.

The changes meant that the number of candidates that stood under Independent Together had reduced from nine to six.

Independent Together billboards showing Andrea Compton, Dan Milward, and Lily Brown are up around Wellington.

In a statement Milward said that he was surprised by "recent allegations and the subsequent media coverage storm".

He said that at an Independent Together roadshow event on Tuesday his wife was threatened by "agitators".

"I knew it was time to take a different approach.

"I'm proud of what we have achieved together but this is the right call for me, my family, and my community - it's time to run the 'Dan Milward Campaign'".

Independent Together said the media scrutiny on its team had been intense.

"The extent of it has been unnerving on our business and community minded candidates.

"While the team feels the loss of both Andrea Compton and Dan Milward, we acknowledge the impact this is having on both of their families."

They said that threats and bullying tactics from "the political establishment won't work on Independent Together candidates anymore".

Compton said standing independently offered her the best opportunity to connect directly with her community.

"This election is about listening, offering practical solutions, and having the courage to stand by what you believe in."

Ray Chung sent an email, seen by RNZ, to three fellow councillors in early 2023 recounting a story he'd been told by his neighbour about the neighbour's son allegedly having a sexual encounter with the mayor.

The email surfaced last week. Whanau rejected the contents of the email and said it was false and contained a "malicious and sexist" rumour.

She has since received an apology from Chung.

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