Ian Royall: Sally Capp’s success may learn Lord Mayor role not all it’s cracked up to be

The notion of going into Town Hall to “shake things up” is to be applauded but the routine of being a mayor can be boring, weighed down by bureaucracy, reports and documents.

The decision by Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp to resign four months early came as no surprise to many Town Hall watchers.

Talk of a Kirribilli Agreement with her loyal deputy Nick Reece had been rumoured around town for months.

But this deal, unlike when Bob Hawke defaulted on his promise to Paul Keating, will be honoured with Capp stepping aside at the end of June.

The timing conveniently avoids a by-election so Reece can have the benefit of being the incumbent before ratepayers go to the polls in October.

Capp, during her announcement press conference, wouldn’t discuss if any deal had been done, rather it was her day and, gee, I guess it’s up to Nick to decide what to do next.

What Reece will almost certainly do is officially declare his mayoral nomination. No surprise there either.

Capp said being Lord Mayor has been the best job. Let’s hope her eventual successor agrees. Picture: David Smith

So that will leave us with two definite starters, along with serial nominee Gary Morgan.

The 82-year-old pollster has run five times before, and privately probably knows he’s not going to get the top job. But where his preferences go could well be decisive.

There are still more than six months till polling day so plenty of time for more candidates to come forward. Labor will run a team, even against Reece, a long-time Labor member.

And the Greens will also be in the mix. They finished second on primary vote to Capp-Reece in 2020, even with little-known names, and don’t forget that the electorate has both state and federal Greens MPs.

But at this stage there isn’t a great deal of choice or a depth of talent for ratepayers to vote for.

Nick Reece will almost certainly officially declare his mayoral nomination. Picture: Jason Edwards

Big-name candidates, if any emerge, often make a lot of noise but getting elected will inevitably be followed by a reality check.

This notion of going into Town Hall to “shake things up” is to be applauded but the routine of being a councillor or mayor can be boring, weighed down by bureaucracy, reports and documents. Change comes slowly, if at all.

Not to mention that the Lord Mayor doesn’t hold as much power as the profile suggests. Mega projects such as Gurrowa Place at the Queen Vic Market announced this week have to be approved by the state government.

Likewise the securing of major events for the city. Don’t think dear old Moomba counts.

And at Melbourne, like any council, the chief executive exercises considerable influence.

Capp said being Lord Mayor has been the best job. Let’s hope her eventual successor feels the same way.