Labour opens expressions of interest for Auckland Mayoral candidates wanting the party's endorsement

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is retiring from politics. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Labour Party has opened expressions of interests from any Auckland Mayoral candidates wanting the party's endorsement.

This follows Phil Goff's announcement yesterday that he will retire from politics and will not be seeking re-election this year.

In a statement, the party said Labour's New Zealand Council will consult with party members before deciding which candidate to endorse.

The decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Interested candidates are requested to contact Labour's head office to obtain the expression of interest forms.

Since the formation of the "Supercity" Auckland Council in 2010 both mayors Len Brown and Goff have had Labour affiliations.

They ran as independents but with public party endorsement being made once they were campaigning.

In the past week, Labour-aligned councillor Richard Hills said he was dropping his plans to run for the mayoralty.

This leaves Labour's Manukau Ward councillor Efeso Collins as the only declared left-leaning candidate.

There is still to be a confirmed candidate from the centre-right, with restaurateur Leo Molloy and Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck yet to formally confirm.

Returning candidates Craig Lord and Ted Johnston, along with newcomer Jake Law, are the others who have thrown their names into the hat.