Playford Councillor Michael Joy leaves ‘you lost’ message on candidate’s phone after narrow election victory

A COUNCILLOR who beat a rival candidate by eight votes in the local election has left a mystery phone raspberry on the losing candidate’s mobile phone: “You lost”.

A NORTHERN suburbs council candidate says he was shocked to receive a seemingly gloating voicemail message from a competitor after being narrowly defeated in the election.

Re-elected Playford councillor Michael Joy did not identify himself when he left the apparent phone raspberry, “you lost”, on first-time candidate Joshua Smith’s mobile phone after the ballot count on Sunday.

Mr Smith said the message sounded like the caller wanted to gloat at his defeat.

Mr Smith and Mr Joy, both 29, were Ward Five candidates at the election.

Mr Joy beat Mr Smith by eight votes.

Joshua Smith says he was surprised to receive a “you lost” message on his mobile phone. Picture: Online candidate shot

Mr Smith said at first he thought the message was from a disgruntled resident and was shocked when he dialled the unknown number and Mr Joy answered.

“I was quite surprised that he thought it was necessary to contact one of the candidates ... in the way that he did,” he said.

“It was somewhat perhaps not representative of what the moral conduct should be for a councillor within Playford.

“Obviously I’m happy to forgive Michael for that but I hope he doesn’t do that again.”

Mr Smith said he did not mention the voicemail message when he spoke to Mr Joy and instead congratulated him on his election.

He said he did not know why Mr Joy would have left the message.

“I’ve not met Michael before,” he said.

“I think he was perhaps concerned for his own position on the council and thought it may be appropriate to contact me and let me know the outcome but it was a surprise I guess in the way that he decided to express that viewpoint.

“If he does apologise that would be nice and obviously I would fully accept that and wish him all the best.”

Mr Joy said he was surprised Mr Smith had spoken out about the message.

“It was just a message between two guys,” he said.

When asked why he left the message, Mr Joy declined to explain.

“If (Mr Smith’s) got that question, I’d suggest he comes to me,” he said.

“If there’s been a miscommunication between him and me then certainly I’ll apologise.”

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said he was “surprised” by the message.

“I’m happy to speak to both parties because we want passionate people who care about their community to work for their community, and this type of event is something I don’t want associated with our council,” Mr Docherty said.

“I would hope this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.

“All councillors have to be mindful of how we conduct ourselves.”