Melbourne mayor Robert Doyle accused of sexual harassment

THE Melbourne Lord Mayor has vowed to clear his name after a young councillor sensationally accused him of groping her breast and sexually harassing her.

MELBOURNE Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has called sexual harassment allegations levelled at him as “abhorrent” and has vowed to clear his name.

On Sunday Mr Doyle announced he would step down from the role for a month following claims of sexual harassment and indecent assault.

“(I) find the allegations detailed to me by media outlets thoroughly abhorrent, not only as Lord Mayor but as a father of young women, a husband, a brother and as the head of an office made up entirely of women,” he said in a statement.

“I welcome the investigation and will co-operate fully to clear my name.

“My decision to take leave must not be interpreted as any concession or admission.”

The move came after fellow City of Melbourne councillor Tessa Sullivan quit on Friday citing sexual harassment.

She lodged a complaint that Cr Doyle made lewd comments and once grabbed her breast, The Herald Sun reported. It was also reported that he would hug and kiss her inappropriately and once told Ms Sullivan “I love cunnilingus”.

Mr Doyle stepped down on Sunday. Picture: AAP

Tessa Sullivan lodged the complaint on Friday. Picture: City of Melbourne

In statement issued by the council Ms Sullivan resigned “after herself and other women had experienced repeated sexual harassment which had made their workplace intolerable.”

City of Melbourne chief executive Ben Rimmer said serious allegations, included sexual harassment, indecent assault and misconduct, were levelled against the mayor.

“Considering my obligations to ensure a safe workplace, I have commissioned an independent external investigation of these matters by Ian Freckleton QC,” Mr Rimmer said.

Mr Doyle, 64, was elected Lord Mayor in November 2008 and is Melbourne’s longest-serving mayor.

Ms Sullivan, a lawyer who is married with three young children, was elected to council in November 2016.

Her council portfolios had included disability, homelessness, city safety, affordable housing and aged care.