Vacancy left by Paul Pisasale resignation sets stage for dirty election campaign

THE power vacuum left by the shock resignation of popular Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has set the stage for a dirty election campaign.

Paul Pisasale called Ipswich councillors to his bedside on Tuesday to warn them of his resignation. Picture: Claudia Baxter

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THE power vacuum left by the shock resignation of popular Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale has set the stage for a dirty election campaign.

Acting mayor Paul Tully believes the three-month campaign will be even nastier than usual as councillors, political hopefuls and even possibly a sitting MP jockey for the top job.

At a bedside meeting with nine of the 10 Ipswich councillors at St Andrew’s Hospital on Tuesday morning, Mr Pisasale urged “Team Ipswich” to remain unified and work towards their common goal as he told them of his imminent resignation.

That same day, Councillor Tully gathered councillors together and urged the same.

“We went back to the council and I said, guys all I ask for over the next three months is that we work together and that if there is any friction or different views that we try and sort that out between ourselves,” Cr Tully said.

The Courier-Mail understands five current councillors are considering a tilt at mayor.

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller has not ruled out running for the position.