Brisbane mayoral election: Rod Harding gets Labor’s endorsement to run

LABOR’S Brisbane Lord Mayoral aspirant Rod Harding has promised to give “City Hall back to the people” as he launches his second tilt for the city’s top job, while taking a further dig at Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

LABOR’S Brisbane Lord Mayoral aspirant Rod Harding has promised to give “City Hall back to the people” as he launches his second tilt for the city’s top job.

Mr Harding was officially endorsed by Labor this week to run as their candidate in the 2020 council election.

Announcing his candidacy this morning, Mr Harding pledged to deliver openness and transparency at Brisbane City Council if he was to win the poll.

“We need new blood in our councils,” he said.

“We don’t want these professional politicians who have been in for far too long.

“My best credential for running for mayor of Brisbane is I have never been elected to Council.”

Rod Harding set to run for Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor in 2020

The businessman also took a swipe at Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, who he described as out of touch and arrogant.

But he was unable to list any concrete policies he would be taking to the election, which is not scheduled to take place for at least 18 months.

“We’ve got a Lord Mayor and a Council that think they’re untouchable,” he said.

“The reason why I’m running for mayor of Brisbane is that I want to represent every resident of this city and I will spend every day trying to do the best thing by them.

“I’m looking forward to over the next 19 month announcing some really bold plans.”

Rod Harding will run for Brisbane Mayor for the second time after losing to Graham Quirk in 2016.

Mr Harding took on Cr Quirk at the 2016 election, where he pledged to deliver a light-rail system, six months of free rates for first home buyers and a remodelling of King George Square by adding grass.

He managed to secure 32 per cent of the primary vote — significantly less than Cr Quirk’s 53.53 per cent.

Cr Quirk, who announced his candidacy earlier this year, said he would not underestimate his opponent despite his overwhelming victory against him at the last poll.

“My focus, though, will continue to be on the people of Brisbane and making sure that we continue to build the infrastructure and great lifestyle for our city,” he said.

“I think this city in the next five years is going through a very exciting phase.”

EARLIER:

FORMER Brisbane Lord Mayoral aspirant Rod Harding will make a second tilt for the city’s top job after he was officially endorsed by the ALP.

Mr Harding squared off against Lord Mayor Graham Quirk in the 2016 election and achieved the best two-party preferred vote of any Labor mayoral candidate since Tim Quinn’s loss to Campbell Newman in 2004.

He confirmed this morning that he had been endorsed by the ALP to run for Lord Mayor again in the 2020 Council elections.

During his previous campaign he promised a light rail system, six months of free rates for first-home buyers and a remodelling of King George Square by adding shade and grass.

He also pledged to slash funding of the Kingsford Smith Dr project to fund congestion busting projects at other suburban hot spots.

Mr Harding secured nearly 32 per cent of the primary vote in 2016 — significantly less than Cr Quirk’s 53.53 per cent.

He has continued to criticise the LNP administration on social media since his loss.