Ricky Kirkham resignation: Why there is more to the story
The sudden resignation of a councillor from embattled Whittlesea took many by surprise. But now, more can be revealed about the circumstances behind his abrupt departure.
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Former Whittlesea councillor Ricky Kirkham resigned just hours before he was set to face a panel over claims of “serious misconduct”.
When questioned by Leader about whether Tuesday’s hearing triggered his shock resignation on Monday night, the former mayor refused to comment.
Instead, Mr Kirkham provided a long statement about alleged council corruption.
The Chief Municipal Inspector launched the action for a councillor conduct panel to grill Mr Kirkham over allegations of serious misconduct prior to his resignation.
But acting Chief Municipal Inspector Dr John Lynch said the action would now be dropped and the panel disbanded.
Dr Lynch would not comment any further on the matter.
Cr Lawrie Cox said councillors were made aware of the action at least one week ago.
The panel was looking into allegations of bullying against another councillor and/or members of council staff by Mr Kirkham, Cr Cox also said.
The Leader is not suggesting the allegations against Mr Kirkham are true, only that they have been made.
Mr Kirkham claimed he had lost faith in the council’s ability to serve the community, sparking his decision to resign effective immediately following Monday night’s special council meeting.
He said circumstances at the council made it “impossible to discharge (his) obligations to hold council accountable”.
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Mr Kirkham reiterated these claims when questioned by Leader about the most recent allegations of serious misconduct.
“This is an unfortunate environment and culture which leads to public mistrust in government entities,” he said.
“I will not put myself in a situation, where my accountability and responsibility to you, exposes me to allegations of misconduct for simply doing my job.”
Whittlesea Council’s manager of advocacy, communications and customer experiences Dean Jenkins did not deny Mr Kirkham was set to be questioned by a panel.
“We are aware of Investigations currently under way from various government agencies into multiple issues across the organisation,” he said.
The revelation is another scandal to hit the embattled council, currently under the eye of a State Government monitor.
Just last month mayor Cr Emilia Sterjova was expelled from the Labor Party.
The 22-year-old was ousted after breaching caucus solidarity when she accepted a non-Labor vote to help elevate her to the helm of Whittlesea Council in November.