UK Council Reform Bill Lets Mayors Face Removal Votes, June 19

Victoria’s parliament is advancing a bill that strips away restrictions on removing sitting mayors. Currently, councillors can only force a removal vote if a mayor was elected for a two-year term. The new law lets any council move a mayor out through a majority-backed motion with formal notice and a right of reply. The change comes after months of pressure on Wyndham City Council.

Wyndham Standoff Drives Reform

Wyndham City Council has been unable to remove Mayor Preet Singh despite a unanimous no-confidence motion. Councillors lacked the legal power to force a removal vote because Singh was not elected for a two-year term. The Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill scraps that restriction, letting any council move a mayor out of office through a majority-backed motion with formal notice and a right of reply.

New Rules for Criminal Charges

The bill also addresses another controversy involving automatic stand-downs. Currently, a councillor is automatically stood down the moment any criminal charge is laid against them, including charges brought by a private individual rather than police or a formal prosecuting authority. The new law restricts that automatic stand-down trigger to cases where proceedings are commenced by a recognised law enforcement agency. This change directly affects Hepburn Shire’s Don Henderson, who has been stood down since March after a private resident laid charges alleging misuse of his position. Neither Victoria Police nor the Director of Public Prosecutions initiated those charges. Henderson’s matter continues before the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court, with the next hearing set for August.

State Politics Nomination Rules

The bill also creates new rules for councillors eyeing a tilt at state politics. These provisions aim to clarify the process for councillors considering candidacy at the state level, though specific details remain under parliamentary review.

Final Thoughts

The reform removes barriers that left councils powerless to remove mayors. Investors in local government services should watch how this affects council stability and decision-making across Victoria.

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