30 Mar 2010

North Shore mayor says calls to resign political

6:27 pm on 30 March 2010

North Shore City mayor Andrew Williams is defending himself against allegations he behaved inappropriately, saying those who want him to resign are politically motivated.

Five of the city's 15 councillors have called for him to stand down, amid allegations he drove home drunk and urinated in a public place after socialising at a North Shore bar on Thursday.

Mr Williams told a news conference on Tuesday afternoon the five councillors have been a thorn in his side for years, opposing him and undermining his efforts ever since he was in office.

"The names on this piece of paper are the very same names that constantly appear in opposition to all that I am trying to do on the Shore, with the support of like-minded councillors and community board members. These are politically motivated attacks; nothing more, nothing less."

He says he will not resign as North Shore mayor and the attacks on his character will not stop him seeking a position on Auckland's super-city, but it is too early to say if he will run for super-city mayor.

He also says he wants to prepare the North Shore for what he calls an Auckland takeover.

Mr Williams says he will continue to campaign for democracy, transparency in council-controlled organisations, and for local representation.

He at times seemed nervous, but made a visible effort to appear upbeat with the media.

'Not drunk'

Mr Williams says he was not drunk when he drove home, and had consumed plenty of water along with the two bottles of wine ordered during dinner.

He refused to admit that he had urinated on a tree, but did apologise to anyone who may have been offended by the allegations, saying he was just a kiwi bloke and like them, he could get caught short.

The mayor says he is considering legal action against the Sunday newspaper that reported the allegations.

Hot contest - Key

Prime Minister John Key says he will leave it to the public to judge Mr Williams' actions, saying Mr Williams is a free agent to make whatever decisions he wants.

But Mr Key says it will be a hot contest for positions in the super-city and Mr Williams will be just one of many people who put their names forward.