Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr confirms interest in Cynthia Lui’s Cook seat

Departing Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr has confirmed he has been in conversations about contesting the seat of Cook at the 2024 Queensland election.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr. Picture: GIZELLE GHIDELLA

Departing Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr has confirmed he has had conversations about contesting the seat of Cook as an LNP candidate at the 2024 Queensland election.

Mr Kerr announced on Monday he would not recontest the mayor’s position in 2024, citing “personal reasons”.

The Cairns Post can exclusively reveal he had been in discussions with LNP members about a state tilt prior to Monday’s announcement.

“I have had thoughts in this space, conversations have happened,” Mr Kerr said.

“It’s something I’ve been looking at because I’m thinking about what I want to do with my future.

“At this stage, it’s speculation.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr will not recontest in 2024. Picture: Gizelle Ghidella

Mr Kerr was elected to Douglas Shire Council in 2016.

He was elected as mayor in 2020, defeating incumbent Julia Leu.

Speculation about Mr Kerr’s intentions had been swirling for months after his own council led a vote of no confidence against him.

In August a majority of Douglas Shire councillors moved the motion but the vote was deemed to have no legal standing.

Councillors Lisa Scomazzon, Abigail Noli and Roy Zammataro took issue with Mr Kerr’s conduct as chairman of council meetings, councillors’ ability to speak to the media and Mr Kerr’s travel on other business.

Mr Kerr said he has faced obstruction from other councillors from the start of his mayoral term. According to him, the division, and the ensuing council gridlock, was out of his control.

“The problem I’ve got is other councillors have different points of view … I’m finding I’m not able to do things for my community that I wanted to do,” he said.

“Two councillors were in mutiny against me before I got in, they’re fierce supporters (of the former mayor).

“The issue is they’re just digging up what they can. They seem to forget I travel a lot with FNQROC. All travel is booked through the CEO’s office … no travel has been unjustified.

“Any councillor can speak to the media, but they don’t have the legal authority to speak on behalf of council operations.

“Any response to media from the mayor’s office is the position of council, not the mayor’s personal opinion.”

Mr Kerr will step down at the March 16 election; in the interim, he will continue his role as mayor.

“It has been an incredible honour and privilege to serve as both a councillor and mayor of the Douglas Shire over the past two terms,” he said.

“I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the community and proud of all that we have accomplished together over what has been a challenging tenure.

“I believe that it is the right time for me to move on and pursue other opportunities in my commitment to working for the people of this shire and to continue strengthening this region.”

Originally published as Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr confirms interest in Cynthia Lui’s Cook seat