Councillor Steve Simpson was tonight elected the new mayor of Sutherland Shire.
His deputy is Councillor Tom Croucher.
Councillor Kent Johns confirmed his announcement earlier today that he would not seek another term as mayor following allegations in media reports over the last three days.
In a mayoral minute, Cr Johns said he was confident that when full investigations were undertaken, his actions and those of any other councillors would be found to be lawful.
‘‘I should not be a lightning rod for this council and therefore I won’t be standing as mayor,’’ he said.
Councillor Johns moved that the ICAC and Division of Local Government investigate. At the instigation of Councillor Peter Towell, the council went a step further and voted to ask the Minister for Local Government for a full, public inquiry.
See more in the Leader tomorrow.
Are you happy with the outcome?