Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp stands down

Sally Capp had “mixed emotions” as she announced she would be stepping down as Lord Mayor of Melbourne after six years in the role.

• Sally Capp reveals her triumphs and regrets

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp will not recontest the upcoming election, saying she has “given everything” she can to the role.

Cr Capp, who was elected to the council in 2018, will step down in June.

Cr Capp’s decision will mean her deputy Lord Mayor will take over the top job in the four months before the council elections.

Cr Reece is now expected to declare his candidature for Lord Mayor.

The timing of Cr Capp’s departure means a by-election is not required.

Sally Capp, flanked by husband, Andrew, and son, Nic, announces she is stepping down as Lord Mayor of Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling

Cr Capp won two elections – in 2018 and 2020 – and was the city’s first directly elected female Lord Mayor.

The former Property Council head won the election held after the resignation of Robert Doyle.

“It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing I will not be contesting the next local government election,” she said.

“The City of Melbourne was in dire need of leadership when I was elected as Lord Mayor in 2018 – there were significant internal and external issues, including a culture of unacceptable councillor behaviour and delays on major projects, such as the renewal of the Queen Victoria Market.

“We faced acts of terrorism in the city, followed by the profound challenges of the global pandemic and long lockdowns.

“I know hardship is still a reality for many business owners and residents, but the upward trajectory is undeniable.”

Cr Capp replaced former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle. Cartoon: Mark Knight

Mark Knight’s take on Cr Capp’s chauffer-driven limo controversy.

Cr Capp said she was proud of the council’s achievements over the past six years.

“I have given everything to this role,” she said.

“I have decided that at 56, having spent my 50s so far at Town Hall, it’s time for me to seek new opportunities to propel me into my next decade.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said Cr Capp told her of her decision on Wednesday evening.

“I think we should all thank her for that commitment she’s made to the role and wish her and her family all the very best,” she told ABC radio.

“We all know the circumstances in which she came into the role. It was a pretty turbulent time at City Hall.

“She stabilised the organisation, she’s had to lead the city through the pandemic, and I know from first-hand experience, just how hard she has worked.”

Ms Allan described Cr Capp’s service as “passionate and committed”.

“Her incredible positivity should not be underestimated in terms of some of the slings and arrows that have been thrown her way,” she said.

Sally Capp said she had ‘mixed emotions’ about stepping away from Town Hall. Picture: David Crosling

Deputy Lord Mayor Nick Reece said it had been a great honour and a privilege to serve alongside Cr Capp.

“Sally led the City of Melbourne through a once-in-a-century crisis and did a brilliant job. In our darkest days she was a ray of sunshine that helped Melbourne get back on its feet.’

“No one has ever worked harder in the role of Lord Mayor, Sally would front up every single day and give 100 per cent. She has been irrepressible in her efforts to establish a new positive rhythm for Melbourne.

“Melbourne still faces many challenges but the upward trajectory is undeniable. Sally deserves much of the credit for that positive direction.

He said Cr Capp was professional and unafraid of tough decisions.

“She is courageous and formidable. She is also a very good person, a very decent person.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece will take over the top job from June until the October election. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said Sally Capp had made an “enormous contribution” to Melbourne.

“Working alongside her has been a privilege,” she said.

“She has not missed a day in standing up for the people who live in the City of Melbourne and I think she will be sorely missed.”

Cr Reece will become Melbourne’s 105th Lord Mayor.

So far only Melbourne businessman Gary Morgan has said he would contest the Lord Mayor poll to be held in October.

Media veteran and former Derryn Hinch pulled out of the election race on Wednesday after nominating earlier this month.

The Labor Party is expected to announce its mayoral team in the coming months.

It will put forward an endorsed team and run against party Cr Reece, a long-time party member.