In his first interview since being charged with the murder of his stepfather, Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23, the 30-year-old councillor ended speculation about his political future.

Steven Miles as then Acting Premier after briefing State Cabinet in early September on legal advice from the Crown issued a show cause notice to the councillor, leading to him being suspended on full pay while the charge is before the courts.

“The now Premier made very clear in his correspondence that there is no prohibiting factor in

contesting the 2024 Local Government Elections,” Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said.

“If the people of Division 7 do indeed choose for me to continue as their representative in Council it would then be upon the Minister to determine if they wish to go against the will of the people.”

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden volunteered at the Labrador Community Centre for their Christmas dinner on Monday night. Feedback from these events convinced him to run.

“The number of community members who have wished the best, asked for me to recontest and offer their support at election time has been incredibly humbling and appreciated,” he said.

Show the Way charity founder Amber Ford said up to 250 residents attended the dinner, and volunteers like Cr Bayldon-Lumsden provided not just their time but food.

“He always comes and help. We think he is great,” she said.

A growing field of candidates have lined up for the Councillor’s division including Joel McInnes, Jenna Schroeder, Joe Wilkinson and Edward Sarroff.

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s lawyer Jason Murakami, of Behlau Murakami Grant, has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge.

Police alleged in court documents that Cr Bayldon-Lumsden was in an “abusive, coercive and controlling” relationship with his stepfather.

He was charged after an alleged altercation with his mother’s long term partner about a $25 bakery lunch.

Here is the full interview, where Cr Bayldon-Lumsden talks about his future, family and his community.

Gold Coast Bulletin: There has been a lot of speculation in council circles in the recent week and among candidates that you would be announcing your intention to run at the March local government poll next year? When did you make up your mind?

Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden: I have always had the intent to stand for re-election in 2024. In this term I was able to bring a largely ignored part of the City finally onto the Council agenda. Commitments I made in 2020 have been delivered or progressed in Council. I want to continue this laser focus on lifestyle, amenity and the environment into the new term of council.

GCB: Can you walk us through that decision. Was it always your intention to stand again as a candidate? Did you take advice from family members and friends? Were they supportive?

RBL: I’ve always maintained that intent, and both my mum and sister are supportive. Both of them, as well as many friends, have already freed up their early March schedules. But what has really reaffirmed the decision was the sheer amount of community support at recent activities such as the Parkwood Carols, Molendinar Christmas event, and Bunnings sausage sizzles. The number of community members who have wished the best, asked for me to recontest and offer their support at election time has been incredibly humbling and appreciated.

GCB: You’ve been quite active out in the community. Yourself and your mum planted trees last month in the Arundel wetlands. For you, during this period, how important has it been being able to attend local events?

RBL: I live here and have grown up here. I love our area, and the community groups and organisations I have the pleasure to work with mean so much to me. I am hoping to be able to not just volunteer my time in their projects, but also represent them effectively in council again soon.

GCB: I guess one of the frustrations for you has been being unable to attend council, and the fact Division Seven has a caretaker in Margaret Grummitt but she also cannot attend the

chamber. But you have updated residents on your Facebook page on contentious issues like the Arundel Hills Country Club Development application. Are you maintaining a close watch on these issues?

RBL: From the first instance I wanted to return and continue serving our community completely. I have remained across local projects and events. Thankfully many were already progressed within council and delivery has been able to continue during this time.

GCB: How do you plan to roll out your campaign? Will you be attending community forums,

knocking on doors or given your large profile as a councillor largely focusing on social media?

RBL: Face-to-face has always been my approach, and this is how I will continue. I have prided myself on being the most accessible. I held weekly mobile offices for the entirety of the term (excluding those Covid lockdowns), have doorknocked thoroughly throughout and frequently held targeted resident surveys. These are the things that I have done consistently as the councillor, as a candidate last election, and what I will continue to do. This is how you equip yourself to best serve residents in the Division and across the City; by actually going and seeking feedback, and condensing it so you can genuinely represent broader community sentiment.

GCB: What are the issues important to you in your Division? Do you feel after just one term you have unfinished work to do in terms of completing some projects?

RBL: I remain committed to my pillars of liveability, integrity and the environment. For me a liveable city values our unique environment and has access to recreation, employment and services. I want to continue my push on delivery of the neglected basics. Many of the project specific commitments I made at the 2020 election have been delivered, with others progressed substantially in Council. I want to see through delivery of projects such as the Labrador Foreshore upgrades and Silver Bridle Park Masterplan, as well as community specific projects raised through my extensive community consultation.

GCB: Can you explain to voters, what your understanding is of the legalities of running for office? You are currently suspended, but as Local Government Minister, Steven Miles, has indicated you can run for re-election. If you are re-elected, will you be able to return to work as a councillor if your court case has not been heard?

RBL: The now-Premier made very clear in his correspondence there is no prohibiting factor in contesting the 2024 Local Government Elections. The Minister provided opportunity to return to work, however recommended suspension at the time and given the circumstance, and I accepted the Minister’s position at that time. The minister’s correspondence made clear the recommended suspension is until the 2024 Local Government elections. If the people of Division 7 do indeed choose for me to continue as their representative in Council it would then be upon the Minister to determine if they wish to go against the will of the people.

GCB: Your division is starting to attract a Melbourne Cup field of candidates. There are at least four younger candidates who are running at this stage. How do you see this playing out at the polls? Are you confident of retaining your division?

RBL: It was an honour to receive the level of community support I did in 2020, and feeling that community support and faith strengthen as I served over the last four years. I believe I have demonstrated how effective I am as a representative in Council, and that is why I am seeking re-election. At the polls, everyone will have the opportunity to vote for who they believe will represent them best. What I do know is that voters from everywhere in the City always make the right decision.

GCB: Your most recent Facebook post showed a photograph of yourself, your mother Katrina and sister Ruth after Ruth won a community excellent award at the Southport State High School. It generated almost 100 posts of support. What was that night like for you?

RBL: Mum and I were both incredibly proud of her and all that she does. But Ruth is pretty well known herself, as she has planted hundreds of trees, picked up bags of rubbish and attended dozens of community events alongside me. It was no surprise to see so many congratulate and wish her well. I know she’ll keep doing great things as she goes on to uni next year. My mum and sister mean the world to me, so being there with my mum to see Ruth celebrated for all her achievements was wonderful.

GCB: Is there any particular message you want to send for the ratepayers and voters in Division Seven, who live in the suburbs of Arundel, Parkwood, Labrador, Helensvale and Molendinar?

RBL: The overwhelming faith and support residents put in me in 2020 has not been taken for granted. I have approached this council term with a complete focus on local delivery for residents. My record in council speaks for itself. I hope to continue delivering for residents, moving into a new term of council with no distractions.

paul.weston@news.com.au