Council Poll: Councillor Paul Taylor's son Darren Taylor steps up to contest in Gold Coast election

The son of veteran councillor has put his hand up to contest a new ‘super division’ in the March council poll.

THE son of veteran Broadbeach councillor Paul Taylor will contest the new Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach division in the March council poll.

Darren Taylor, 49, a businessman with a strong community connection in the beach suburbs, decided to stand in the election after his father’s shock withdrawal following a health scare.

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Darren Taylor and his father, Councillor Paul Taylor. Darren is running for council.

Councillor Taylor delivered the news of his health challenges to his family before announcing late last week that he would not stand after two terms in office.

Darren Taylor told the Bulletin: “I’ve always had an interest in politics. We have always been talking about it for a long time. I’ve always said I’d love to do it. When Dad fell ill, the first 24 hours I had to think about it. He did say ‘are you ready to run?’. Sometimes I think there’s a time when you have to put your hand up.”

Cr Taylor sought medical advice on return from a cruise and was told by doctors to “stay away from stress” and manage his health across the next three to four years.

“He had lost his brother last year to a similar illness,” Darren Taylor said. “It wasn’t expected, that news. I had to be confident I was doing it for the right reasons and ready to do it.

“I talked to quite a few people and the support was overwhelming. I’ve been dealing with sporting groups and community organisations for a few years. I’m really passionate and understand what they need out there. I understand what’s happening at a ground level.”

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Darren Taylor, the son of Councillor Paul Taylor. He is to run for council in the new Surfers Paradise-Broadbeach division.

Cr Taylor’s announcement sparked a decision by tourism heavyweight Mike Winlaw and experienced marketing and public relations businesswoman Karen Phillips to stand in Division 10.

Cr Taylor confirmed he would help in the campaign. “Darren’s always been interested in politics. He’s a dedicated businessman. He’s a workaholic, he’s very progressive in the community. He wants to see the Gold Coast prosper.”

Mr Taylor’s early schooling was at the Broadbeach State School, and his sporting career has led to him being linked up with the Broadbeach Soccer Club, Kurrawa Surf Lifesaving Club and Surfers Paradise AFL where he has been club chairman.

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Paul Taylor at council.

He regards the division as falling into separate zones with Surfers Paradise the nightclub precinct, Broadbeach attracting older tourists and residents, Main Beach and The Spit a beautiful stretch of the city and Benowa highlighting the river lifestyle.

“I really think Surfers Paradise needs to be reinvented. We need to evolve and think ahead and re-imagine the top tourist destination in Australia.”