Desley has Advocated for Local Residents since 2007.

Desley is an Auckland Councillor representing the Orakei Ward. Prior to that she was Orakei's Local Board chair, a role she held unopposed for 6 years since the formation of the super city in 2010.

Before Auckland Council, Desley chaired the Hobson Community Board for Auckland City Council under the John Banks mayoralty .

She comes from a long political lineage with her great great uncle Sir Henry Brett being the 6th Mayor of Auckland in 1878 and grandfather Sir James Donald becoming member of the Harbour Board in 1935, Deputy Chairman in 1938 and then Chairman well into the 1940's.

As chair of the Orakei Local Board for 6 years, Desley’s portfolios included overall Board strategy, finance, rates and governance, the Unitary Plan, walkways and Community development initiatives.During that time her achievements included leading the construction of the Orakei Basin and the Hobson Bay walkways.

Regionally she led the charge for Council to purchase Colin Maiden Park keeping this for open space and recreation having seen this designated for terraced housing and apartments in the draft Unitary Plan.

She also championed the removal of sports field charges from her ward and other isthmus wards following amalgamation which saw this area as the only area to be charged.

Delivering value for money and efficiencies remains a strong focus for Cr. Desley Simpson.

As Orakei Councillor Desley has championed Auckland Council beginning a ‘value for money programme’. This realised efficiencies of $260 million in its first two years. She has also been a strong driver of savings targets.

As chair of the quality advice political working party she ensured that council agendas now contain headings including financial implications and risks.