Brown pressed to reveal payment

Councillors want mayor to make public his contribution to $100,000-plus cost of inquiry into extramarital affair.

Expectations are rising for a settlement by Auckland Mayor Len Brown towards the $100,000-plus cost of a review into his extramarital affair to be made public.

Three of the five councillors negotiating a settlement - Chris Fletcher, George Wood and Dick Quax - believe it is the wish of the group to make the settlement public.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and Penny Webster, the other two on the negotiating group, are staying quiet.

Mr Brown told the

Herald

last week that when councillors set up a group last month to enter into binding negotiations, the resolution was the settlement would be confidential.

The mayor, who showed no willingness to pay anything towards the review until the day he was censured by councillors last month, said payment towards a council review would be unique in political history.

But as a consequence of his weakened position, Mr Brown said it was up to the council to set the rules and he would accept them.

"As part of my contrition I am abiding by this process," he said.

Chief executive Stephen Town is expected to present a full summary of the costs when the group meets on Thursday.

Paying the penalty

Mid-December: Brown refuses to pay anything towards EY report.

December 19: Council insists on appropriate but confidential contribution as part of censure. Brown agrees.

January 15: Councillors meet to discuss settlement.

January 22: Brown says he will abide by councillors' decision for settlement.

Yesterday: Councillors push for public settlement.

Thursday: Full cost of EY report and related costs goes to the councillors.