KEY POINTS:
Mike Lee looks set to keep his chairmanship of the Auckland Regional Council, despite a strong push by National Party interests to secure Michael Barnett in the post.
After three days of political lobbying since Saturday's local body elections, a consensus decision by the 13-strong council is expected today to confirm the left-leaning Mr Lee for a second term.
Unlike territorial councils, where voters get to choose a mayor at the polls, regional council chairs are chosen on a vote of the elected representatives.
The Herald understands Mr Lee secured a second term as chairman after nailing the support of Franklin-Papakura councillor Dianne Glenn, who became the kingmaker with the two sides locked at six votes all.
The crucial seventh vote is a blow to National Party interests, particularly the Citizens & Ratepayers ticket, who lobbied hard for councillor and Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Michael Barnett. Having got a John Banks-C&R team at Auckland City Council, C&R was keen to secure a right-leaning majority and C&R chairman at the regional council.
C&R chairman and former National Party president John Slater said the future of Auckland depended on cordial relations between the ARC and Auckland City heading into the Royal Commission of Inquiry to reorganise local government.
"It's much more helpful if people of like minds can work together for the common good," he said.
But with just four C&R councillors, including former Work and Income boss Christine Rankin, who was elected on the North Shore, and two other right-leaning councillors, Bill Burrill and Jan Sinclair, C&R has come up short.
Mr Lee, who was re-elected on a City Vision-aligned ticket, Regional People, always had the backing of Joel Cayford, Christine Rose, Sandra Coney, Paul Walbran and a new Labour councillor in Manukau, Brent Morrissey.
That left fourth-term Dianne Glenn from the largely rural and conservative ward of Franklin-Papakura, who decided to back Mr Lee, who will be paid $151,518 if he retains the post.
Mr Barnett said yesterday it was a straightforward contest with 13 votes at stake. Mr Lee had seven and he had six.
Mr Lee and Mr Barnett have discussed wider issues on how the council will move forward.
Once the leadership has been settled, the council plans to issue a statement that is expected to show unanimous support for Mr Lee.
