Clover’s control under threat as City of Sydney vote goes south

For the first time in her 20-year tenure, Clover Moore’s majority on the City of Sydney council is on thin ice.

Clover Moore’s control of the City of Sydney is under serious threat for the first time in her 20-year tenure, with the Lord Mayor herself saying it’s likely she has run her last election as her opponents claim voters are moving away from the long-time leader.

Early polling results show it’s likely the returning long-time Lord Mayor and her team of independents will win four places on the council, down from the five positions required for a majority.

Labor and the Greens are set to pick up an extra seat each, while the Liberals’ will go from two to one councillors according to early results.

Independent City of Sydney candidate Yvonne Weldon, who is odds-on to be elected for a second term, said Ms Moore’s majority was “on thin ice”.

Clover Moore pictured with her team following her historic win for a sixth term as Sydney lord mayor. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

“I’ve been very heartened by the response today and during this election. I’m proud of our positive and community-led campaign. There’s a strong desire for change,” she said.

“Clover Moore’s majority is on thin ice. After 20 years, the time is right for fresh leadership. My independent team are ready to lead.”

Liberal Lyndon Gannon – who is also likely to win a second-term – said he hoped his party could win a second seat with preference votes from Libertarian Party candidates set to flow to them.

“We’re still hopeful for a second spot on council – but we’ve definitely seen a change away from Clover,” he said.

Votes counted so far show the Lord Mayor’s team of independents have secured 32 per cent of the vote, down from 40 per cent in the 2021 election.

In the mayoral vote, Ms Moore has 37 per cent of the vote – down from the 43 per cent secured in 2021 and 58 per cent in 2016.

In the previous term of local government, Ms Moore’s team of five including herself meant she held the balance of power on the 10-member council.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore pictured in Surry Hills. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Losing even one spot means her bloc will have to negotiate with other councillors, with the Lord Mayor on Sunday saying she wasn’t concerned by the drop in votes.

“I believe that most politicians would be very happy with the result, that they’ve just been given a sixth term and have just won every booth,” she said of her reduced voting figures.

“So we don’t know what the final outcome of the numbers will be, but I am very happy with the outcome.”

She also gave her strongest sign yet that she’s unlikely to contest the next election in four years, saying it was probable she’d hand the baton to a member of her team.

When asked if there would be another “Clover election” after claiming her record-breaking sixth term, she answered: “I don’t think there will be”.

Originally published as Clover’s control under threat as City of Sydney vote goes south