Hunt is on for lord mayor as former premiers say ‘no’ to Town Hall

TWO former Labor premiers have declined to be drafted into the race for Melbourne lord mayor, and now the attention has become focused on potential candidate Sally Capp.

FORMER Labor premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby were approached to run for Melbourne lord mayor but declined, it can be revealed.

The Herald Sun understands senior ALP figures reached out to the former premiers when it became clear the position of former lord mayor Robert Doyle was untenable amid sexual harassment claims.

ARRON WOOD AND ANN PEACOCK BOW OUT OF TOWN HALL RACE

PROPERTY COUNCIL BOSS SALLY CAPP BACKED IN RACE FOR LORD MAYOR

But with the two Labor heavyweights not interested in running for Town Hall, attention soon focused on potential candidates such as state Property Council of Australia chief Sally Capp.

LORD MAYOR POLL SET AFTER RESIGNATION OF ROBERT DOYLE

SAM NEWMAN CONSIDERS RUNNING FOR LORD MAYOR

Former Victorian premier Steve Bracks with former premier John Brumby.

Ms Capp, who is seriously considering a tilt at the May election, is widely seen as a centrist and acceptable to both Labor and Liberal voters.

The exit of Crown executive Ann Peacock from the race has bolstered Ms Capp’s chances if she runs.

Among other possible candidates, maverick state Labor MP Jane Garrett is believed to be still seriously considering a run, as is The Footy Show star Sam Newman.

Newman did not return calls yesterday, but it is understood he is gathering support and believes he could make a big contribution as an inner-city resident on top of the key issues.

Property Council of Australia Victorian chief Sally Capp.

“He doesn’t want to be seen as a buffoon this time,” said a well-­connected Town Hall observer.

So far, only pollster Gary Morgan has confirmed he would run, while anti-violence campaigner and former federal MP Phil Cleary is still deciding.

Former city councillor Ken Ong, who could rely on a strong Asian vote, is interested, while former Moreland mayor Cr Oscar Yildiz has expressed interest.

Sitting councillor Cathy Oke. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Other names mentioned in the chatter around town include Mary Poulakis from
luxury department store Harrolds and former Labor ministers Rob Hulls, John Thwaites
and Mary Delahunty. The Greens, who are considered a strong chance to win, are yet to choose a candidate, although sitting councillor Cathy Oke has been mentioned, and 2016 election candidate Dr Olivia Ball is also in the mix.

Mr Doyle resigned on February 4 over the allegations, which he denies.

He is understood to still be in hospital, and there is no clarity on whether the report into allegations against him will be publicly released.

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