What will happen when Byron mayor steps down on April 30

The council will be heading into an election in just a few months’ time.

Outgoing Byron mayor Simon Richardson. Councillors will have to vote to replace him.

Two independent councillors will be vying for leadership when Byron Shire Council votes for a new mayor on May 13.

Mayor Simon Richardson recently announced he would step down from his leadership, his role as a councillor and a member of Rous County Council from this Friday.

He had not planned to contest the next election, which was initially due to be September 2020 but was delayed to September 4 this year because of the pandemic.

Deputy mayor Michael Lyon will be acting mayor until councillors formally vote in a new leader at their May 13 planning meeting.

Cr Lyon has confirmed he will take a stab at the position, and some councillors have confirmed he will have their vote.

Cr Basil Cameron said he would also nominate for the role.

Both councillors are independent, after Cr Lyon quit the Byron Greens in 2020 when he was not included in the party’s ticket of candidates.

Current Byron Shire councillors, including outgoing mayor Simon Richardson (front, second from left).

Cr Cameron said he has a “strong and successful record of working with the community”.

“Our community is experiencing a housing crisis and we face major challenges around transport and infrastructure,” he said.

“We must work effectively together. As mayor I will ensure this.

“Residents and businesses are telling me they want an experienced independent mayor that will put the community first.

“As a councillor, I have been hands on in building resilience through community empowerment and believe this is central to achieving a sustainable future.

“I have been able to drive change within council that has led to improved finances and infrastructure. These include five years as Deputy Mayor and Chair of Finance, Transport and Infrastructure Committees.

Byron Shire councillor Basil Cameron.

“On May 13, I will be asking councillors to put the interests of our community first and ensure stable independent leadership.”

Green councillors Sarah Ndiaye and Jeannette Martin, Nationals councillor Alan Hunter and Labor’s Paul Spooner have said they would support Cr Lyon.

Cr Ndiaye said while she would “love” to nominate for the mayoral position, her commitments as a high school teacher wouldn’t make this feasible at this time.

“I, with the support of the upcoming Greens candidates, will be supporting Michael Lyon to take on the role,” she said.

“He’s the current deputy mayor and available, but most importantly for our community right now, he’s well placed to help us deliver on the Short Term Holiday Letting Strategy with the state government.

“We have a housing emergency, that must be our priority.

Sarah Ndiaye and Michael Lyon outside the Byron Shire Council chambers in Mullumbimby.

“We have worked together on this for the whole term of council and will continue to do so.

“I will nominate for the role of deputy mayor.

“The current housing crisis is one of the biggest issues we face as a community and, if re-elected, I will continue to make it my priority in the next council term, hopefully with some of my newer Greens colleagues. This important groundwork must be done and if we have someone there who could get it wrong it would have huge ramifications for years to come.”

Cr Hunter said while they have ideological differences, he would support Cr Lyon.

“It’s all a bit of a trust thing and I think he’s earned it,” Cr Hunter said.

“Often, we don’t agree but I don’t think there’s any less respect because of it.

Nationals Councillor Alan Hunter.

Cr Hunter confirmed he would run again at the September election.

Cr Cate Coorey said she did not plan to pursue leadership at this time and is undecided about whether she will run again in September.

Jan Hackett has also confirmed no leadership aspirations of her own.