Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore ‘driven by fear’ to seek historic sixth term

Clover Moore admits she’s scared of losing power to the major political parties, revealing concerns about her work being undone motivated her to seek a historic sixth term as Sydney’s lord mayor.

• Complete list of candidates across NSW

Clover Moore has admitted she is scared of losing power to the major political parties, revealing she was “driven by fear” to seek a historic sixth term as Sydney’s lord mayor.

Ms Moore has been in power for an unprecedented 20 years after being elected to lead the City of Sydney council in 2004.

On the eve of Saturday’s local government elections, she told The Daily Telegraph there had been “a pretty nasty campaign” that included “a lot of focus on negatives and personal abuse”, with parties coming together to “try some new trick to snatch Town Hall”.

“This time it’s strategic preferencing telling voters to put the major parties above my team,” she said.

Despite declining to confirm whether this would be her last term if elected, Ms Moore said she was fearful of a leadership change.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore addresses the City of Sydney council. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian

“Part of my decision to run for re-election was driven by the fear our policies and projects would be put at risk if Town Hall falls into the hands of the major parties or people who don’t share our values, experience or commitment,” she said.

“Backroom deals only strengthen my resolve and my desire to see the city run by community leaders, not those beholden to a party or using Town Hall as a stepping stone to another office.”

Ms Moore acknowledged there had been “some” criticism of her decision to run again, but she said she was proud of her accomplishments.

“I hope that my experience and capability are recognised as strengths,” she said.

“The work of city making is never ‘finished’, and there will always be more we can do, and ways we can improve, to ensure Sydney the best place to live work and visit.”

Lyndon Gannon. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Zann Maxwell. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Ms Moore also hit out at other lord mayoral candidates, saying while they had claimed “it’s time for new ideas”, they hadn’t offered any or explained what change was needed.

Challengers have taken issue with various elements of Ms Moore’s administration during the campaign period, with Liberal Lyndon Gannon saying her leadership had deepened Sydney’s housing crisis and independent Sam Danieli declaring the council hadn’t done enough to address the city’s rat problem.

Another independent, Yvonne Weldon vowed to ditch the traditional mayoral robe and title if elected lord mayor.

Labor candidate Zann Maxwell took aim at the city’s declining nightlife, telling The Daily Telegraph it was “already on the slide long before” lockout laws and lockdowns.

Yvonne Weldon. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Independent mayoral candidate Sam Danieli. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“Clover Moore had years to address these issues,” he said.

“Her administration has failed to declare even a single special entertainment precinct … meanwhile, in (the) Inner West, they ran a successful trial on Enmore Rd.”

The Inner West Council has expanded its live music and performance footprint to six new areas through special entertainment precincts, which allow for additional trading and outdoor dining.

Mr Maxwell said the city’s issues had moved on from “Clover Moore’s heyday” and identified Kings Cross, among others, as an area screaming for revival.

Ms Moore said she had met with the relevant minister in June to discuss the council’s commitment to introducing special entertainment precincts, and confirmed in writing a number of areas would be considered “this year”.