Labor councillor’s shock resignation

A frontrunner has emerged to replace popular Brisbane City councillor Kara Cook who announced she is stepping down from her role.

Cr Kara Cook has announced she is stepping down. Picture: Richard Walker

Popular Brisbane City councillor Kara Cook has announced she is stepping down from her role with a senior Labor media advisor emerging as her potential replacement.

Cr Cook – the Deputy Leader and only female Labor councillor – took to Facebook on Sunday morning to announce after five years representing the Morningside ward, she would soon be “packing up my office ready for my next adventure”.

Lucy Collier, senior media advisor for Health Minister Yvette D’Ath, announced on LinkdIn her desire to replace Cr Cook.

With Cr Cook staying on until March, Labor will be permitted to “appoint” a replacement to hold the position for a year, before the next Council election in March 2024.

While Ms Collier’s selection is not guaranteed, she will be considered a frontrunner for the opening.

Ms Collier said she had the “energy and the experience to hit the ground running as (the) new Councillor”.

“It is bittersweet to say goodbye to Kara Cook, who has done a great job being our community’s strong voice,” she said.

“She has fought hard for us on issues that matter most, and been a representative we can be proud of.

“I will be a Councillor who knows the local issues first-hand, and hold the LNP to account to ensure that we protect our lifestyle. With Council elections just over a year away, we need someone who will do the work. That person is me.”

Labor councillor Kara Cook with Labor leader Jared Cassidy. Cr Cook has announced she will be stepping down. Pic: Tara Croser.

Cr Cook, in announcing her resignation, listed off a number of her “proudest achievements”, including initiating Brisbane’s first Domestic Violence Strategy for the city and the first homelessness strategy, campaigning for virtual Council meetings, and establishing an open pantry and community library at her office.

She also thanked her Labor party colleagues and the four other Brisbane Labor councillors – Jared Cassidy, Steve Griffiths, Charles Strunk and Peter Cumming.

“We have fought the good fight and I can’t wait to see the day when a Labor Administration and Labor Lord Mayor return to City Hall,” Cr Cook wrote.

“Over the next couple of months I will be saying my goodbyes and finalising my work before I formally conclude my position at the end of March.

“Thank you Morningside Ward – you’ve been great! I’m looking forward to doing interesting, impactful and values based work outside of Council in the future – stay tuned!”