In the wake of the controversy over Auckland mayor Len Brown's extra-marital affair, Prime Minister John Key says people should not have unrealistic expectations about the private conduct of public figures.
It was revealed last week that Mr Brown had a two-year affair with with Bevan Chuang. In addition to being a member of the council's Ethnic People's Advisory Panel, Ms Chuang worked for three months at the art gallery and also had a four-month contract working for the Howick Local Board.
Mr Key says he does not think anyone will welcome what has happened.
He says people need to be encouraged to stand for Parliament and there would be few who have led a blameless life.
Mr Key says he regularly reminds his MPs, however, that they are in the public spotlight and he expects them to treat people well.
