Team Doyle members urge Lord Mayor to consider resigning

TWO members of Robert Doyle’s council team have urged the Lord Mayor to consider resigning as the investigation into sexual harassment allegations enters its second month.

TWO members of Robert Doyle’s council team have urged the Lord Mayor to reconsider his position as investigations into sexual harassment allegations drag on.

Susan Riley, Cr Doyle’s former deputy, reportedly said he should go “gracefully” because it would be too difficult to return with the respect of the council and community, even after 25 years in public life. “In a way, he should resign — gracefully,” Cr Riley told CBD News.

HIGH-PROFILE FIGURES BEING LINED UP SHOULD DOYLE RESIGN

Susan Riley and Beverley Pinder-Mortimer have urged Lord Mayor Robert Doyle to re-evaluate his future. Picture credit: Mark Clarisse/VCCI

DOYLE TO ADDRESS LATEST SEX ALLEGATIONS

And fellow Team Doyle member Cr Beverley Pinder-Mortimer, who replaced Doyle accuser Tessa Sullivan on the council, said the Lord Mayor should re-evaluate his future for the sake of his emotional and physical wellbeing.

“The pressures that people undergo at times like these are tremendous,’’ Cr Pinder-Mortimer told the Herald Sun. “I am concerned for his welfare.’’

Cr Doyle has vowed to fight on to clear his name from the allegations of sexual harassment and indecent assault currently under investigation.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle with then-deputy lord mayor Susan Riley.

“I remain committed to seeing out the investigation and look forward to clearing my name,’’ Cr Doyle said.

Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said he would not comment until the investigation was completed.

“I’m just focusing on the job at hand. And I’m adamant that the process should run its course,’’ Cr Wood said.

The other Team Doyle members — Kevin Louey and Nick Reece — were approached for comment.

With Cr Wood’s casting vote, Team Doyle still has the numbers on the 10-person council for when meetings resume on February 6.

Four women — Ms Sullivan, Cr Cathy Oke, an unnamed partner of a medical specialist and former constituent Dianne Mallas — have accused Cr Doyle, 64, of harassment.

Ian Freckelton QC is conducting an investigation on behalf of Town Hall chief executive Ben Rimmer and a second inquiry has been ordered by Health Minister to be run by Charles Scerri QC.

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