Robert Doyle allegations: Lord Mayor’s future questioned as probe begins

LORD Mayor Robert Doyle’s ability to survive the lurid allegations against him and return to Town Hall has been questioned, as an investigation into explosive sexual harassment claims begins.

LORD Mayor Robert Doyle’s ability to survive the lurid allegations against him and return to Town Hall has been questioned, as an investigation into explosive sexual harassment claims begins.

Sources close to the city council have told the Herald Sun many councillors believe Cr Doyle is unlikely to survive the probe. Some are even speculating about a mayoral election as early as March.

ROBERT DOYLE STEPS DOWN AMID COUNCIL SEXUAL HARASSMENT PROBE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT WATCHDOG EYES LORD MAYOR ROBERT DOYLE

From Wednesday, city councillors and other witnesses will begin giving evidence to an inquiry by Ian Freckelton, QC, who was appointed by council chief executive officer Ben Rimmer last Sunday.

That followed the resignation of councillor Tessa Sullivan, 34, a mother of three, who provided a 24-page dossier of allegations of sexual harassment against Cr Doyle.

Her claims included that the mayor, 64, touched her breast, and made a lewd comment to her in a Town Hall lift.

Mayor Robert Doyle’s ability to survive the lurid allegations against him and return to Town Hall has been questioned.

Dr Ian Freckelton, QC. Picture: Supplied

It is understood that the material also includes allegations involving other women.

It has been claimed that in December 2014, Cr Doyle stroked the thigh of a female councillor at a dinner at city restaurant Lupino during which alcohol flowed freely.

Cr Doyle, who has taken a month’s leave, vowed on Sunday to clear his name.

He said he was shocked by the allegations and frustrated he had not been officially informed of details of them before media were contacted.

Some council observers have pointed out that the dramatic events of last weekend followed a period of increasing tension between the old-school Lord Mayor and the modern bureaucrat CEO.

Some have questioned Mr Rimmer’s quick issuing of a media statement on Sunday raising the allegations before Cr Doyle was even aware of the specifics; others say he had to move promptly to address issues that threatened the council’s reputation.

A source who is supportive of the Lord Mayor said: “It’s clear that the CEO is running his own race here.”

SUSIE O’BRIEN: HARASSMENT CLAIMS WILL TAKE TOLL ON BOTH PARTIES

Another source close to some councillors said there was growing doubt that Cr Doyle could stay in the job.

“Hardly anyone thinks he can survive,” the source said.

A further source very familiar with the council said of Ms Sullivan’s allegations: “I’m not surprised. I think it’s all true.”

A source close to Cr Doyle said he did not expect the mayor to survive even if the inquiry was inconclusive, as the state government would likely sack him if he did not stand down. “(Premier) Daniel Andrews will not want to wear any heat for Robert Doyle,’’ the source said.

However, Doyle supporters are adamant that he will fight hard to clear his name. And they are confident of his being given a good hearing by the “straight-shooting” QC.

Meanwhile, in an awkwardly timed mailout, official Christmas cards from Cr Doyle began arriving across the city.

It features a photo of the Lord Mayor with wife Emma Page Campbell and their young son, Henry, visiting Santa at Federation Square.

If Cr Doyle resigns or is sacked because of the sexual harassment scandal, City of Melbourne voters will have to go back to the polls to elect a new Lord Mayor.

[e-mail]

@JMasanauskas