‘The best choice’: Top media adviser to replace Labor councillor Kara Cook

A Labor media adviser is set to replace Brisbane City Council’s outgoing deputy opposition leader, Kara Cook, as Morningside councillor after she announced her resignation in January.

Lucy Collier, a state government media staffer who formerly worked as a Labor organiser, has now been confirmed as Cook’s successor.

Outgoing Labor councillor for Morningside Kara Cook (left) with state government media adviser Lucy Collier, who will take over the role in May.Credit: Facebook / Kara Cook

Collier, who is also the step-daughter of Palaszczuk government minister Di Farmer, will officially take up the role in May after being sworn in under rules that allow replacements, instead of byelections, within a year of the next election.

In social media posts announcing the decision, Collier – who declared her interest in replacing Cook at the time of the resignation announcement – described the opportunity as a “great privilege”.

“I am deeply passionate about our community. I grew up here, and it’s now where I’m raising my family with my husband, Matt,” she said.

“I will always fight for you on the issues that matter most to us – like addressing traffic congestion, and ensuring that our community facilities keep up with demand.”

In a post of her own, Cook described Collier as “the best choice” to represent the council ward, which she held for more than five years.

“Lucy is also the immediate past-president of the Bulimba Community Centre, has helped run our local I Love Bulimba and 4171 Facebook page, was secretary of the Morningside Neighbourhood Watch, and has volunteered locally with the RSL for ANZAC Day services for over a decade,” Cook said.

The next round of statewide council votes are set for March 2024 and will mark 20 years of LNP control of Brisbane’s mayoral robes. It will also mark 16 years since the party took hold of City Hall with a majority of the council’s 26 wards.

Labor’s opposition – led by Jared Cassidy – holds just five, with Greens councillor Jonathan Sriranganathan and independent Nicole Johnston rounding out the numbers.

Collier will replace Cook as the only woman on the Labor side.

A decision on who will become Labor’s next deputy leader was expected to be made by the party’s councillors after Cook’s replacement. Veteran bayside councillor Peter Cumming has also said he is considering his future after a recent drink-driving charge.

In a press conference with Cook and Collier on Saturday, Cassidy said the Labor team was “going through a process of renewal” over the next few months as candidates were recruited for every ward the lord mayoralty.