High-profile restaurateur Leo Molloy is pulling out of the Auckland mayoral race.
“It’s the right thing to do for the city," he said in a statement.
“Some aspects of my polling are still strong. However, there are clear trends emerging that suggest I cannot win – this time.
“On that basis, I’m deciding to withdraw immediately and, in doing so, potentially help other candidates - who won’t do as a good a job as I would have - but at least will be better than the dispiriting status quo we’ve had under Phil Goff and this Labour mayoralty."
At a media address on Friday afternoon Molloy said part of the reason for withdrawing from the race was financial, as he spent "a lot" of money.
The move comes as the latest Ratepayers' Alliance-Curia poll is expected to be released on Friday.
The restaurateur ran a colourful campaign but believes he can’t win. (Source: 1News)
NZ Herald reports that the poll shows Molloy at third behind Labour and Greens-backed Efeso Collins and former Far North mayor Wayne Brown.
Molloy said "cowboys don't cry" and he was getting on "with my other life as a hospo legend".
He said he had a new hospitality project in the works.
“Roll on 2025. I’ve learnt some valuable lessons and if there’s an opportunity in three years’ time I’ll be in, boots and all."
He said he had no regrets and had fun.
It comes after Molloy's campaign ran ads encouraging voters to vote for him, rather than other centre-right candidates.
Molloy's run at the mayoralty had been controversial at times. At a mayoralty debate hosted by the Penrose Business Association, he threatened an interjector with a slap.
He also lost a number of campaign staff and was subject to questioning over an infamous interview with comedian Guy Williams.
In an interview with 1News on Wednesday, before he pulled out of the race, Molloy said of his suitability as mayor: "Give me the opportunity and judge me afterwards."
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