The show will go on: Mayor Bob Manning intends to stick it out until the end, “god willing”

Mayor Bob Manning likened his electoral commitment as mayor to a long voyage always in need of a captain. But his assurances in relation to his post came with some caveats.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has said it’s his intention to see out his term. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mayor Bob Manning has said he will see out the rest of his term on local government before he resigns at the next election — “God willing”.

Addressing rumours that he would resign before the conclusion of his term, Cr Manning said he was here to stay.

“Once you’ve run, you’re bound in some ways not to abandon ship, you’ve got to go with it,” Cr Manning said.

Rumours were circling in December 2022 that Bob Manning would resign early, which he said was not his intention. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I stood for a term, and I still can see out that term.

“At the moment I’ve got a clean bill of health. I’ve been through serious checks … I’m still getting ticks.

“I will do what my doctors tell me, and I will do what my wife tells me.

“All those things have to be taken into account.

“My intention will be to go as long as my doctors say so.”

If Cr Manning did resign within 12 months of the next election, which is due in March 2024, it would trigger a mayoral appointment by council vote and not a by-election, according to Queensland’s Local Government Act 2009.

Rumours within council suggested Cr Manning would time an early resignation within 12 months to grease the wheels for a favoured successor, a suggestion he firmly denied.

Deputy mayor and Division 4 councillor Terry James has expressed his intention to contest the vacant mayoral position in 2024. Picture: Brendan Radke

“There is no conspiracy here to set something up,” he said.

“There was never an intention to manufacture something, I can say that honestly.”

Deputy mayor and Division 4 councillor Terry James has expressed his intention to contest the vacant mayoral position in 2024.

Stopping short of endorsing Cr James, Cr Manning had many kind words for his loyal lieutenant.

“I can understand (why he’d run), because he’s spent 21 years on the council,” he said.

“Terry’s pretty successful in his own business life … he’s got more knowledge on our council I would say than anybody, by a mile.

“And he is a decent bloke.”

Originally published as The show will go on: Mayor Bob Manning intends to stick it out until the end, “god willing”