Robert Doyle makes rare public appearance as City of Melbourne voters pick new lord mayor

LOOKING trim and relaxed, former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle has hit the pavement in a rare public appearance since harassment allegations ended his tenure at Town Hall.

LOOKING trim and relaxed, former Melbourne lord mayor Robert Doyle hit the pavement on Saturday in a rare public appearance since harassment allegations ended his tenure at Town Hall.

Wearing a red Ferrari jumper, compression pants, exercise shorts and sneakers, Mr Doyle looked upbeat as he was photographed in South Melbourne.

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As Mr Doyle continues his recovery from illness since the scandal broke, voting closed in the election to find his replacement.

Independent Sally Capp, who has promised free trams across the City of Melbourne if elected, is tipped to become Melbourne’s next lord mayor.

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But she wasn’t getting ahead of herself on Saturday.

“I am feeling quietly positive about our chance of success, but I also recognise we are up against it,” she said.

Backed by former premier Jeff Kennett, Ms Capp still faces a difficult battle against 14 other candidates believed to be directing preferences against her.

“We didn’t do backroom preference deals and I didn’t have the might of a political party behind me,” she said.

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“Whichever way it goes, this election represents a new beginning for the administration of our city, something I warmly welcome.”

Ms Capp said running as an independent was the right thing to do.

“It’s not my style to sit quietly on the sidelines and be a spectator.”

By-election results will be announced during the week.