Anthony Koutoufides, Labor and the Greens call out war of words between Arron Wood and Nick Reece’s teams

Several contenders in the race for the city’s top job have taken a veiled swipe at the two frontrunners — and their teams — after a war of words broke out on Wednesday.

Lord mayoral candidates Nick Reece (left) and Arron Wood shared a laugh and appeared at ease as they sat next to each other at a debate on Wednesday. Picture: X

Several contenders in the battle for the city’s top job have taken a veiled swipe at the two frontrunners and their teams, calling them out for playing politics and descending into “petty squabbles”.

The Melbourne lord mayoral race reached boiling point on Wednesday night when the team behind candidate Arron Wood hit back at claims his ticket was aligned with the Greens, accusing Lord Mayor Nick Reece’s campaign of “grubby” tactics.

But on Thursday, Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides, Labor and the Greens condemned the rhetoric that has this week dominated the political debate.

“We will let the others fight amongst themselves over preferences and politics,” Mr Koutoufides said.

“We instead will fight for the people who live and work in the City of Melbourne.”

Anthony Koutoufides. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Labor’s Phil Reed said his ticket would not be distracted by the “petty squabbles between the high-paid consultants working for some of the candidates”.

“Our focus is on making sure the voices of residents are heard at this election,” he said.

A Greens spokesperson said its ticket was focused on important issues, “not political debate over preferences”.

“The Greens focus is on listening to the Melbourne community and fighting for action on the issues they care most about like the cost of living, housing and climate change,” they said.

“Our campaign reflects getting our positive message out to the community who we know want to see action on these issues, not political debate over preferences.”

Labor’s Phil Reed.

The Greens’ lord mayoral candidate Roxane Ingleton. Picture: David Caird

On Wednesday night, Team Wood denied it was aligned with the Greens after preferences were released by the Victorian Electoral Commission and launched an attack on Mr Reece’s campaign.

“Team Wood is proud to have independent leadership that is focused on getting back to basics and giving our city a fresh start,” a Team Wood spokesperson said.

“Attacks relating to preferences are grubby and to be expected from the faceless men behind Dan Andrews who locked down Melbourne longer than any city in the world and are now running Nick Reece’s campaign.”

When asked on Thursday if he shared that view, Mr Reed – who has preferenced Mr Wood over Mr Reece, a long-time Labor member – said Mr Andrews’ leadership steered Victoria safely through the greatest health crisis the community had ever faced.

“The Labor for Melbourne team proudly rides on his policy coat-tails,” he said.

Mr Wood and his running mate Erin Deering. Picture: Kit Edwards

After calling the statement from Team Wood on Wednesday night “unhinged and bizarre”, a Team Reece spokesperson on Thursday said Mr Wood was in “damage control”.

“He’s been caught out preferencing the Greens and putting a Green on his council ticket,” they said.

“In stark contrast, Lord Mayor Nick Reece is focused on what matters to the people and traders of Melbourne — freezing rates for residents and businesses, improving city safety and building more affordable homes.”

The VEC website shows that Team Wood has placed the Greens at No.7 on its ballot paper, while Team Reece has the Greens at No.6.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece took over from Sally Capp in July. Picture: David Caird

Mr Wood on Thursday said his ticket was “not interested in the misinformation and spin being peddled by other teams in this campaign”.

“Melburnians want action on tackling the cost of living crisis and making our city safer and cleaner,” he said.

“The only way to give Melbourne the fresh start it deserves is to get back to basics and change the leadership at Town Hall.”

As the war of words between the two teams escalated on Wednesday night, Mr Reece and Mr Wood were seated next to each other at a candidates’ debate for international students.

In front of a crowd, the pair shared a laugh and appeared at ease, with Mr Wood posting a photo to social media on Thursday of them side-by-side at the event.

Originally published as Anthony Koutoufides, Labor and the Greens call out war of words between Arron Wood and Nick Reece’s teams