ONLY two Wellington City Councillors want Deputy Mayor Alick Shaw removed from his position, Capital Times has discovered.

Last week councillor Bryan Pepperell (Southern) said that eight of our 15 councillors were prepared to formally ask for Shaw’s demotion due to "his bullying tactics" during council meetings, but councillor Jack Ruben (Onslow-Western) is the only other member prepared to make a public statement against Shaw.

"He is aggressive and a bully and attacks the person not the issues. I believe the majority will ensure the vote is passed," Ruben says.

Shaw, who concedes that he can be "fairly pointed" in meetings, is confident he will not be voted out.

"I can assure you I have never said anything remotely unkind to these councillors [he would not give names]… It’s very black pots making allegations against a not so black kettle," Shaw says.

There has been a division within council since Shaw was re-elected deputy mayor on October 30, 2001, by one vote.

"We’re about 12 months away from an election. This will undoubtedly run the risk of destabilising the council," he says.

Shaw cannot think of a particular situation that has spurred moves to axe him but admits there are lessons to be learned about the way he approached some of his colleagues.

In open support of Shaw staying on as deputy mayor are councillors Robert Armstrong (Northern), Ray Ahipene-Mercer (Eastern), and Andy Foster (Onslow-Western).

"I would like to see Alick Shaw remain in office. I have no reason to oppose him as deputy mayor," Ahipene-Mercer says.

Armstrong says councillors shouldn’t look at removing a person based on a personality conflict.

"These are claims by a minority of councillors. I’d be surprised if it can be substantiated. I support him in his role. He is doing an excellent job as deputy mayor," Armstrong says.

Foster says he’s aware that Shaw pushes some people’s buttons.

"He’s fairly strident. But I see no reason for change," Foster says.

Sitting on the fence are councillors Hayley Wain (Northern), Ian McKinnon (Lambton), Celia Wade-Brown (Southern), and Rob Goulden (Eastern).

Wain calls it a "personality clash".

"No doubt everyone has witnessed (the bullying) but I haven’t been at the receiving end," she says.

McKinnon wants to hear Shaw’s response to the allegations before making a decision.

"There is no question there is a group of councillors that are tired of what they perceive as bullying tactics by councillor Shaw, and his domination of meetings. Whether the statements find traction is still to be determined," McKinnon says.

Wade-Brown says councillors should be arguing policy not personality and she says change for the sake of it is pointless.

"Many councillors could improve their behaviour," she adds.

Rob Goulden (Eastern) agrees there is a lot of dissatisfaction in council but is "not about to get into a number exercise" and say whether he would vote Shaw out.

Councillors Helene Ritchie (Northern), Stephanie Cook (Lambton), Leonie Gill (Eastern) and John Morrison (Onslow-Western) did not return Capital Times’ calls.

To discharge a deputy mayor, 21 days notice is required under Clause 18 of the Local Government Act (2002) and a majority of councillors must vote for the demotion.