Melbourne City Council election 2018: Sally Capp claims victory ahead of ALP’s Jennifer Yang

SALLY Capp was preparing a roast when the news came through — she’ll be Melbourne’s first female Lord Mayor in almost 30 years. Here’s what she’s promised to deliver for Melbourne.

MELBOURNE’S new Lord Mayor Sally Capp has spoken of the “joy and relief” after news broke of her historic victory on Friday night.

Ms Capp, who last night became the city’s first ever popularly elected female Mayor, was surrounded by family and friends “preparing a roast” when the call from electoral officials came through.

“I put it on speaker phone and the entire family erupted in screams,”

“We got so excited I did actually call (them) back to make sure we heard it right,” Ms Capp said.

Speaking to media at the Queen Victoria Market this morning, a battle ground during the three month campaign, Ms Capp said she was ready to “roll up her sleeves and get on with the hard work”.

The Property Council executive was elected to Town Hall’s top job with 25 per cent of the primary vote.

She toppled Labor-backed Jennifer Yang, who secured 15.4 per cent, and Greens candidate Rohan Leppert, 14.8 per cent.

CAPP: TIME TO CLEAN UP OUR LIVEABLE CITY

KENNETT THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND CAPP FOR LORD MAYOR

CAPP IN FIGHT OF POLITICAL LIFE

Melbourne’s new Lord Mayor, Sally Capp. Picture David Geraghty

Ms Capp, 50, said in a statement on Friday that she was “humbled and grateful”.

“To each and every member of the voting public who cast their vote in the election for the Lord Mayor whether you vote for me or not — thank you for participating in this important process,” she said.

“I said all through this campaign that I stood for purpose and people, not politics — this is the reason I put my hand up.

“I have for some time felt a calling to give back to the city that has given me so much, and I’m now relishing the prospect of being able to do just that.”

Ms Capp added that she would be a “lord mayor for all” and thanked her family.

Today Ms Capp spoke to media, welcoming the council’s decision this week not to appeal Heritage Victoria’s rejection of a $250 million redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market. She said she would work to find a plan that was “win win for everybody”.

“I’m confident that we can come up with a plan that continues to preserve the character and heritage ... while modernising it,” she said.

Ms Capp said she still supported “undergounding” parts of the market for extra car parking and space for traders.

Other orders of business included fixing the city’s waste management system and starting work on “ambitious and aspirational plan” for a New York style high line.

Ms Capp acknowledged becoming the city’s first woman to be appointed the top job in almost 30 years was “important and exciting” change for Melbourne.

“It will bring different culture and leadership,

“Having a female leader is something really important and exciting for this city,” she said.

Ms Capp said she was looking forward to working alongside Deputy Mayor Arron Wood and welcomed his experience as a councillor.

“We’re going to make a fantastic duo in what we can achieve together,” she said.

Congratulations to Melbourne’s new Lord Mayor @SallyCapp_ on her historic victory. We live in the greatest city in the world - and I look forward to working with Sally to make it even greater.

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) May 18, 2018

She overcame a three-way deal between Ms Yang, Cr Leppert and Liberal candidate Ken Ong to preference each other, over her, to win the job.

Her early lead in primary votes — close to 30 per cent — was pared back by Ms Yang and Cr Leppert as vote counting continued.

She managed to hold on as the preferences flowed, leading 53 per cent to Ms Yang’s 47 per cent at the final result.

Ms Capp will replace former Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, who resigned in February amid a sexual harassment scandal.

An independent investigation confirmed four adverse findings against Mr Doyle, including that he touched the breast of former councillor Tessa Sullivan.

Ms Capp has promised a new brand of leadership and a “healing process” at the council.

ALP-backed candidate, Jennifer Yang. Picture: Ian Currie

Greens councillor Rohan Leppert.

Ms Yang also campaigned hard on promises to reform Town Hall, even vowing to ban booze from council events.

After a campaign unofficially backed by the ALP, she conceded tonight.

“Sally Capp will be a great Lord Mayor of Melbourne and I wish her the very best of luck,” Ms Yang said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood, who served in the top job during the campaign, tweeted his support for Ms Capp after the results were announced.

“Fantastic win,” he posted.

“Look forward to welcoming you to Town Hall and working together to keep Melbourne one of the world’s most liveable cities.”

Bombers-fan Wood also joked that the Collingwood supporter could drop back his Essendon scarf if she found it in the Lord Mayor’s office.

“I’m just down the hall,” he said.

Lord Mayor of Melbourne is a serious job, leading a vibrant community & overseeing an economy that generates a quarter of all Victoria’s wealth. It needs someone with a passion for Melbourne & the right qualifications & experience to contribute to the success of our city. pic.twitter.com/m9ngWXueMu

— Sally Capp (@SallyCapp_) May 7, 2018

Aside from the tight finish, political pundits were also surprised by the “collapse” in support for the Greens.

The party’s primary vote dropped from 21 per cent in 2016, with candidate Olivia Ball, to below 15 per cent with Cr Leppert.

Despite having lost the tilt for Lord Mayor, Cr Leppert will continue to serve on council as one of two Greens representatives.

“I congratulate Sally Capp and I look forward to working with her,” he said.

“Obviously I’m disappointed but the business gerrymander is as big a hurdle as ever.

“I will keep fighting for residents’ rights and a sustainable Melbourne.”

Ms Capp will be sworn in as the new Lord Mayor next week.

WHO IS SALLY CAPP?

• 50-year-old mother of two from Hawthorn.

• Victorian executive director of the Property Council — a job she will give up to become Lord Mayor.

• Previously CEO of the Committee for Melbourne and Victoria’s Agent General across Europe and Israel.

• First female director of the Collingwood Football Club.

Sally Capp will be Melbourne’s first female Lord Mayor in almost 30 years. Picture: Jason Edwards

SALLY CAPP’S PROMISES FOR MELBOURNE

• An elevated “high-line” park between Federation Square and Southern Cross Station.

• Extension of the free tram zone across the municipality, including to Flemington, South Yarra, Carlton and North Melbourne.

• A commission to oversee the Queen Victoria Market redevelopment.

• Countdown timers at CBD pedestrian lights.

• Extra CCTV cameras at city hot spots and more lights in major parks.

• Promise to secure 5G mobile service for Melbourne.

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@moniquehore