Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has announced Ōrākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson will be Deputy Mayor of Auckland.

“Desley is both my choice for Deputy Mayor and is overwhelmingly supported by members of the new Governing Body who I have been working with and consulting with over the last three weeks,” Mayor Brown said.

“She is universally admired for her integrity, professionalism and loyalty, and her ability to get things done through the council bureaucracy and committee processes.

“Desley is highly regarded as a regional leader with a broad Auckland-wide perspective, while also having the greatest support from her own community of any councillor on the Governing Body, with nearly 25,000 personal votes.”

Ms Simpson said she was excited by the opportunity to work with Mr Brown to help deliver on his mandate for change from 181,810 Auckland voters and to work with their colleagues to help them deliver on their priorities too.

“I back the mayor’s strong stance on issues, including delivering more efficiencies and savings to keep rates as low as possible as Aucklanders face the looming economic and fiscal storm,” Ms Simpson said.

Mr Brown and Ms Simpson will hold a media stand-up in the foyer of the 27th floor of Auckland Council building at 3.30pm today. Media can register through mayorofaucklandmedia@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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