Wynnum Manly Councillor Peter Cumming charged with drink driving

A senior Queensland politician has told one of Brisbane’s longest-standing councillors he should stand down after being charged with drink driving.

Councillor Peter Cumming will face court on drink driving charges. Picture: AAP Image/Regi Varghese

Brisbane Labor councillor Peter Cumming is set to front court next week after he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol following a Christmas party.

The Wynnum Manly Ward representative at Brisbane City Council says he will be considering his future and seeking help after he was slapped with the charge.

The council opposition office has confirmed the charge related to allegations that he was under the influence while in charge of a motor vehicle – and that Cr Cumming recorded a mid-range reading.

It is understood the councillor’s case is due to be mentioned before the Wynnum Magistrates Court on Monday.

Councillor Peter Cumming says he is considering his future. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

Cr Cumming issued a statement on Thursday night, saying he was “deeply ashamed” of his behaviour and that he thoroughly deserved any punishment he received.

“I know how dangerous drink driving is and as I said I am extremely sorry for what happened. There is never an excuse for drink driving,” he said.

“I have let down myself and the community as well as those who support me. I will be seeking help and considering my future.”

Council Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy said he had spoken to Cr Cumming and told him he was “very disappointed” with his behaviour.

“Drink driving is a scourge on our community and hundreds of lives are lost to it every year and thousands more are injured,” the Labor leader at Brisbane City Council said.

“It’s simply unacceptable and I told Peter that.”

Cr Cassidy suggested he had only become aware of the situation late Thursday afternoon.

The council opposition office confirmed Cr Cumming registered the mid-range reading after attending a Christmas party.

A mid-range reading is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1 per cent or more, but less than 0.15 per cent.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said Cr Cumming should resign from council.

“If there’s any risk of drink driving, take a cab, take a ride share, get a friend to drive,” he said.

“As a public official that’s been entrusted by the public with an endorsement to represent them, it’s just not on.”

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams pleaded guilty to a high-range drink driving charge last year, but did not stand down from her job.

She also faced pressure to resign, including from Mr Bailey.

“I will say no difference to what I said with Karen Williams,” the Minister said on Friday.

“It’s unacceptable. I’ve always had a very hard line on drink driving long before I was a Minister.”

Cr Cumming has represented the Wynnum-Manly ward for nearly 30 years and has also previously led Labor in the council chamber as Opposition Leader.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams pleaded guilty to a high-range drink driving charge last year.

The Mayor faced pressure to stand down from her role, including from Transport Minister Mark Bailey who called on her to do the “decent thing and resign”.