Deputy Mayor Election Looms in Lake Macquarie as Colin Grigg Throws Hat into the Ring

Lake Macquarie City Council is on the cusp of electing a new deputy mayor at its council meeting on Monday, with Lake Macquarie north ward councillor Colin Grigg indicating his interest in the role. As the current Liberal deputy mayor, Jack Antcliff, steps down after serving his mandatory one-year term, the position is expected to be filled by an independent councillor for the first time in seven years. Grigg's candidacy has been met with support from several other councillors, and he believes the role will provide him with opportunities to drive council policy and represent the people, rather than a political agenda.

Key Takeaways:

• Colin Grigg, a Lake Macquarie north ward councillor, has declared himself a candidate for the deputy mayor position at the upcoming council meeting.
• The deputy mayor role has been shared between Liberal, Labor, and independent parties under a "gentleman's agreement", but the next deputy mayor is expected to come from the independent ranks.
• The deputy mayor plays an important part in the council, representing the council in the mayor's absence, as highlighted by mayor Adam Shultz.
• Grigg has been a strong advocate for infrastructure projects in his ward, including the redevelopment of Myall Road and improvements to the Charlestown Swim Centre car park.
• The deputy mayor role has been held by several councillors since 2018, including the current Liberal deputy mayor, Jack Antcliff.

Statistics:

• 7 years since an independent councillor last held the deputy mayor role
• 9 years since Colin Grigg was first elected to the council
• 2022: Colin Grigg stood for the NSW Senate as a One Nation candidate
• 2017-18: Luke Cubis, a Lake Macquarie Independents member, last held the deputy mayor role
• 6 councillors, including Jack Antcliff and Christine Buckley, have held the deputy mayor position since 2018

Sources:

• Josh Leeson, Byline: Josh Leeson, Original Publication Date Not Specified