Donna Davis resigns as Parramatta councillor to focus on role as state MP

A western Sydney MP will exit her role as a councillor but has rejected claims the Premier or her local government cohorts pressured her to step down.

Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis has resigned from her role as a councillor eight months shy of the local government elections so she can focus on work commitments as the MP.

The Epping ward representative, who was first joined Parramatta Council in 2017 and became the Lord Mayor in 2022, defied criticism from opponents on the chamber who wanted her to stand down from the council’s top job when she joined Macquarie St.

Rivals expressed concerns the dual roles would spark a conflict of interest and independent Lorraine Wearne moved a motion in April that called for Cr Davis to resign as the mayor because she did “not believe it is possible to hold down two full time jobs’’.

However, Cr Davis’ supporters on the Labor-dominate council got her across the line and she continued to be the mayor until fellow Labor cohort Sameer Pandey was elected in May and, later, Pierre Esber in September.

She remained as a councillor until Tuesday when she said she would step down and the council would not fill the vacancy with her departure.

Donna Davis with Premier Chris Minns and Education Minister Jihad Dib. Picture: Monique Harmer

“I’m proud to have helped shape the City of Parramatta through a period of tremendous change and growth, as both a councillor and Lord Mayor,’’ she said.

“However, with a growing number of commitments and responsibilities as the Member for Parramatta, I have decided to tender my resignation as a councillor.’’

She ruled out suggestions pressure from Premier Chris Minns or fellow councillors influenced her decision to step down.

Independent councillor Georgina Valjak maintained there was a conflict of interest for Cr Davis to hold double roles, despite it being legal.

She was “surprised” she was leaving with just eight months until the local government election.

“Disappointing for residents who voted for her and the commitment she made to them,’’ she said.

Parramatta remains a Labor-dominant council with six councillors, one Green, four Our Local Community representatives and three independents.

Cr Davis said she looked forward to working with the council as an MP.

“I’m proud of the projects and programs we’ve put in motion for Epping Ward including the much-awaited upgrade of Epping Pool, Oxford St upgrade, Somerville Park improvement and construction of the West Epping Dog Off Leash Park and know these will keep moving full speed ahead,’’ she said.