Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou wants to run against MP Julia Finn
A western Sydney MP under investigation for branch stacking has hit back at a “selfish and greedy’’ mayor who wants to run against her if she does not stand aside.
Parramatta
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Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou said Granville voters “deserve better” and declared he would run in the State Election if sitting MP Julia Finn does not stand aside — but she has hit back at his “insults”.
Ms Finn and Parramatta federal Labor MP Julie Owens have come under fire after allegations of branch stacking were made by an anonymous whistleblower in a 33-page dossier.
However fresh complaints with 45 signatures have been lodged.
The Daily Telegraph reported former Labor MP Laurie Ferguson was at the centre of the allegations.
The complaints, which are under investigation with Labor headquarters, request that Ms Finn, Ms Owens and Auburn MP Lynda Voltz’s memberships be suspended.
Cr Christou — who sensationally quit Labor after 18 years when he became mayor in September — has vowed to run in the state poll in 2022.
“If Ms Finn’s standing at the next election you can bank on me standing then and I will be active in the next three years to make sure she’s not given a free ride,’’ he said.
“I think Granville deserves better than Julia Finn.
“I think Granville deserves someone who’s going to connect with the community on grassroots issues.’’
Cr Christou is now a Our Local Community member.
“When I quit Labor I was unhappy for about two years,’’ he said.
“I felt it had defected too far to the left and political correctness.”
Cr Christou criticised Ms Finn for being in Uganda in the same week a report that named South Granville and Guildford as the most economically disadvantaged area in NSW was released.
But Ms Finn accused him of a double standard because he chose to drive a $58,000 Mercedes at ratepayers’ expense and also nominated to go on a council junket to Turkey in 2017. The trip never proceeded.
She defended her trip to Uganda.
“I was representing the NSW parliament for a conference,’’ she said.
“These problems (in Granville and Guildford) are systematic, long term problems — they’re not going to be fixed in three or four days, which is how long the conference went for.
“I wasn’t on holidays, I was working.’’
Cr Christou argued that he was entitled to a Mercedes as a mayor with just one income.
“I struggle to pay my bills, I know what it’s like to have children and paying the mortgage,’’ he said.
A council spokeswoman said the car was bought as a demonstrator model and, under guidelines, allows vehicles to be purchased under $67,000.
He believed he retains support from Labor despite quitting the party. “I’m still friends with my Labor Party colleagues.”
Cr Christou, who represents the Granville ward, worked as an electorate officer for Mr Ferguson for 10 years.
Ms Finn blasted him for forgetting how she and Mr Ferguson helped him win election to the council in 2017.
“Steve Christou is someone I helped with his election campaign and worked had to put on council,’’ she said.
“I handed out election material and talked to him about issues that were important in the area because he had no idea. It’s greatly insulting to me and Laurie Ferguson that he’s carrying on like this. (He’s) selfish and greedy.”
Ms Finn stated she was confident of retaining her seat and did not see Cr Christou as a threat after she won preselection for the March State Election 125 votes to 35.
“I’ve got a pretty good track record,’’ she said.
“He has got to get re-elected to council first.’’
Local government elections are in September.
She also supported the Labor investigation into branchstacking.
“I welcome the investigation, which I’m very confident the only thing that is likely to be found is the complainant,’’ she said.