Venkat Raman
Auckland, July 21, 2022
While opinion polls continue to show neck-to-neck competition among at least three candidates, business leader Leo Molloy became an official candidate for the Auckland Mayorality today (July 21, 2022).
He was nominated by Dave ‘Buttabean’ Letele, founder of Buttabean Motivation (BBM) and transitional housing provider The Grace Foundation.
Independent leadership
“This is a significant milestone in my campaign. Today I am making a pledge to restore trust and accountability at Auckland Council while bringing real-world business experience and independent leadership into the Mayor’s office,” he said.
Molloy said that among his top priorities are maintaining rates at current levels, fixing Auckland Transport, stopping Three Waters, and keeping the communities safe.
“With my background in business, I will level up our local economy by facilitating investment, attracting high-paying jobs and backing small local businesses to thrive. The latest two polls have shown that I am the leading candidate and the best placed to stop Labour-endorsed career politician Efeso Collins,” he said.
Opinion Polls rating
According to the Ratepayers’ Alliance/Curia Poll published on July 14, 2022, Labour-endorsed candidate Councillor Efeso Collins (Manukau) was on 27% among decided voters, followed by Molloy with 23% support. Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck, endorsed by Communities & Ratepayers, was in third place on 18%. Former Far North Mayor Wayne Brown was further behind with just 15%, while Craig Lord had 13% and New Conservative Leader Ted Johnston debuted in the Ratepayers’ Alliance/Curia Poll on 5%.
In a direct snide, he said that “Auckland cannot run the risk of having yet another Labour-controlled puppet in charge of this city.”
A vote for (other candidates) Wayne Brown or Viv Beck is a vote for Efeso Collins, he said.
“The time for talking is over. I want to get on with the job, secure our city’s future, and together, build a better Auckland,” Molloy said.
In recent times, Molloy has donated more than 40,000 meals to various charitable organisations including the Grace Foundation and provided personal funding of $200,000 to build a BBM Community Kitchen in South Auckland.
