Derryn Hinch ‘seriously considering’ running for Melbourne Lord Mayor

Derryn Hinch — aged 80 and again battling cancer — is “seriously considering” throwing his hat in the ring for the job of Melbourne Lord Mayor.

Derryn Hinch is considering running for Melbourne Lord Mayor. Picture: David Caird

Derryn Hinch is “seriously considering” running for Lord Mayor of Melbourne and has cited American President Joe Biden in dismissing any concerns his age and health could be an impediment.

The often controversial 80-year-old former senator and broadcaster told the Herald Sun he was “leaning toward” a tilt at the top Town Hall job.

Hinch said he had the backing of several key executives and players, come the October City of Melbourne elections.

And he has hasn’t held back on how he would fix up Melbourne’s CBD and the “woke council”, that this week voted against a Gaza ceasefire motion.

His age and health — Hinch is currently fighting aggressive skin cancer — would not get in his way, he said, citing 81-year-old US president Joe Biden.

Derryn Hinch in Melbourne. Picture: Supplied

Derryn Hinch leaves the Supreme Court after giving evidence in a child sexual abuse case. Picture: Nicki Connolly

There had been speculation former Collingwood President Eddie McGuire was going to have a run at Lord Mayor, but he has ruled himself out.

Other high-profile names floated have included former Crown executive and VRC director Ann Peacock, as well as a less likely Sam Newman.

It was revealed this week Derryn Hinch will undergo radiation therapy after finding a potentially deadly melanoma on his face.

The cancer was discovered on the right-hand side of his forehead during a routine skin check this month.

He said doctors had to carry out surgery urgently to remove the thumbnail sized growth but “they couldn’t get it all”.

He will start cancer treatment next month.

It’s not the first time Hinch, who celebrated his 80th birthday on February 9, has been on the operating table.

In July 2011 he underwent a liver transplant, and revealed that he had died on the table.

However, he recovered and went on to have a long and successful political career.

Meanwhile, the Herald Sun revealed earlier this month Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece had put feelers out to the business community to ask if they would support him to run for the city’s top job, if long serving Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, decided to retire.

Sources in the city’s business community have told the Herald Sun that Mr Reece or his representatives had contacted them about potentially supporting a bid for the lord mayoralty – but only if Ms Capp declared her intention to stand down.

Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Mr Reece has denied he was seeking support as a potential candidate for Lord Mayor.

“These claims are simply not true,” he said.

“My focus is on working with the Lord Mayor and councillors on delivering results for the people and businesses of Melbourne.”

It comes as the Herald Sun understands Ms Capp is considering her future in the role.

Under the City of Melbourne Act, the Lord Mayor can resign within six months of the end of the council term and no by-election would be required.