Mayoral elections can be deeply personal

Last Thursday night, the Port Phillip Councillors convened for their first formal meeting, during which Cr. Louise Crawford (ALP) was elected as the City of Port Phillip’s new Mayor, marking her second term in this role. Joining her as Deputy Mayor is Cr. Bryan Mears (ROPP), a significant milestone as it’s the first time an ROPP Councillor has secured a leadership position since the group began electing representatives to Port Phillip in 2020. Both positions were contested.

Informal elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor were conducted behind closed doors, as is typical for these leadership decisions. Unofficial discussions usually precede the formal vote, ensuring alignment within the Council. The appointment of Mayor and Deputy is then usually done in a formal council meeting uncontested. Mayoral elections can be deeply personal and their impact on Council cohesion should not be underestimated. The fact that the results of the secret ballot remained confidential until the formal meeting is a promising sign of unity.

Cr. Crawford’s re-election came as a surprise to some, given public calls from several of the seven new Councillors for a fresh start and stronger independent representation. From an outsider’s perspective, it appears a deal or understanding was reached to balance leadership between the ALP and ROPP, potentially insulating the Council from criticism. I’m looking forward to Greg Day’s usual interview with the new Mayor, which should shed light on future plans and insights.

The first meeting of Council wasn’t without its moments of tension. During Cr. Mears’ acceptance speech, a member of the public interrupted proceedings and was subsequently removed from the gallery. This disruption seemed less about Cr. Mears personally and more a reflection of frustration over perceived inaction on clearing litter in Elwood.

Overall, the meeting was respectful and might be remembered as a high point for Council collegiality, especially as tougher decisions await them in the coming months. There is a palpable sense of ambition among the Councillors, but the real test will come with the negotiations around the Council plan.

In my view, this Council boasts a stronger lineup than the last, but it will likely face more formidable challenges and greater resource constraints. Navigating these effectively will require consistent and strong leadership.

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