ALP endorses candidate for Morningside after shock resignation

LABOR announces candidate after shock resignation of former Brisbane City Council opposition leader Shayne Sutton.

Kara Cook with her husband Josh and daughters Eden and Rita. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

GROUNDBREAKING lawyer Kara Cook has been announced as Labor’s candidate for Morningside Ward in the forthcoming by-election.

The announcement follows Monday’s shock resignation of former Brisbane City Council opposition leader Shayne Sutton.

Ms Cook, 32, was recognised this year for her efforts in establishing the nation’s first specialised domestic violence law firm and is a former Vice President at Queesland Law Society and Principal Solicitor of the Women’s Legal Service Queensland.

Cr Sutton intends to retire when Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calls the State Election, with a by-election for the Ward of Morningside expected to be held on the State election.

Ms Cook established Cook Legal in December 2015, while on maternity leave with her first child.

She lives at Norman Park with her husband Josh and two daughters Eden and Rita.

“When Shayne told me about her decision to resign from Council for family reasons, I

was shocked and sad to see her go. I know how hard she worked for us, and I have

big shoes to fill,” she said.

“I can’t wait to hit the pavement to earn the trust of as many Morningside locals as

possible.”

Ms Cook is also a member of the Beelarong Community Farm, South East Brisbane

Chamber of Commerce and Norman Park Playgroup.

“I’ve got a proven track record of standing up and fighting through my years of

working with people in need. I want to work to ensure that our area is the best it can

be,” she said.

“The LNP have a massive Council majority, but I’m no pushover and I simply will not

fall into line.

“I want to be a strong voice for the residents of Morningside Ward on key issues like

transport and traffic, overdevelopment and better local infrastructure.”

Cr Sutton has been the Councillor for Morningside Ward for the past 13 years.

“What gives me confidence for the future is knowing Kara Cook will work as hard as I

did, and will be just as passionate about our community,” Cr Sutton said.

State Member for Bulimba Di Farmer said she and Federal Member for Griffith

Terri Butler hoped to continue the close working relationship across three levels

of Government in the local area.

“Our area needs a strong team that will work together and put our community first. I

want to work with Kara as part of the local team, alongside Terri,” Ms Farmer said.

“Kara will not only be a tenacious advocate for Morningside Ward, but a real champion for better infrastructure in our local community.”