Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden: Murder-accused councillor’s political future

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate wants to meet with the council’s murder-accused Division 7 representative Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden now he’s on bail. Find out when and what he wants to say

Murder-accused councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden’s political future is in the hands of Acting Premier Steven Miles after the Gold Coast city leader was freed on bail.

The 30-year-old first-term Gold Coast councillor was granted bail on Thursday morning after eight days in custody after being charged with allegedly murdering his stepfather Robert Lumsden.

Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden at a community event.

Mr Miles, the Local Government Minister, has the power to dismiss elected officials on public interest grounds.

Mayor Tom Tate welcomed Mr Bayldon-Lumsden receiving bail in the Supreme Court and urged Mr Miles to make “the right decision” over his future.

“My view has always been that he is innocent before being proven guilty, so right now he is a councillor and he will do his best to operate as a councillor,” he said.

“Under Section 122 of the Local Government Act the Minister has the power to suspend, dismiss a councillor in the interest of public safety and those sort of things, or he does nothing.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has welcomed Mr Bayldon-Lumsden’s bail and has urged Acting Premier Steven Miles to make “the right decision”. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I have written to the Minister and the ball is in his court.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Miles said: “The Acting Premier is awaiting further advice following today’s decision.”

However, many political leaders are doubtful Mr Bayldon-Lumsden will be able to resume his duties and be effective as councillor while facing both a murder charge and a potential re-election bid in March 2024.

“Ryan’s staff have been interviewed by the police and they, along with many of the people he needs to deal with on a day-to-day basis are likely to be called as witnesses at any future trial,” a political source said on Thursday.

“It’s hard enough fighting an election, let alone fighting a murder charge at the same time.”

Mr Tate said he would try and meet with Mr Bayldon-Lumsden as early as next week to discuss his future.

“Meanwhile, with complicated issues, I am sure he is mentally drained, so I will give him room for a couple of days and reach out for a bit of coffee with him to see what he wants to do,” he said.

Mr Tate said he would consider allowing Mr Bayldon-Lumsden to video call into council meetings rather than attend in person if he chooses to resume his duties.