Wyndham councillors have chosen a first-time mayor to lead them through the next year, electing Cr Bob Fairclough to the position on Wednesday night.
Harrison ward’s Cr Fairclough, who has been on council for eight years, beat Chaffey ward’s Cr Marie Brittan seven votes to four.
Cr Brittan served as deputy mayor last year.
In a surprise move, councillors decided not to elect a deputy mayor.
Cr Intaj Khan said the introduction of councillor portfolios this year meant the traditional role of a deputy mayor was not as relevant as it was in the past.
He said the portfolios would allow councillors to become more involved in the business end of council and ease the burden on the mayor.
Cr Glenn Goodfellow said while he was a traditionalist who would like to see the role of deputy mayor retained, he was not against change.
“It would be a fool who doesn’t embrace change to move forward…if it doesn’t work we can always U-turn.”
Cr Fairclough said he wanted to work with residents, councillors and council staff to “make Wyndham one of the greatest cities here in Melbourne”.
“Imagine what it would be like if we could transform Wyndham into a place where residents can work locally and not need to experience the congestion and traffic problems to the Melbourne CBD, where there is an effective and efficient public transport service, where we can relax and have fun in a safe environment… our task is to endeavour to implement as many of these items over the next 12 months.”
