Surf Coast Shire council elects experienced hand Libby Stapleton as new mayor

A former Surf Coast mayor has reclaimed the top job after a year's stint as deputy, while a first-term councillor secured the deputy position.

Surf Coast Shire newly elected mayor Libby Stapleton will take over the reigns from Mike Bodsworth. Picture: Brad Fleet

Surf Coast Shire council has turned to experience, electing an ex-mayor back to the top job.

Otway Ranges councillor Libby Stapleton has been given the nod by council to again be mayor, after serving two terms between 2020 and 2022.

Ms Stapleton served as deputy for mayor Mike Bodsworth, who did not recontest at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Ms Stapleton, who has sat on council since 2020, said upon taking her chair at the head of the meeting “well, that’s very exciting” before beginning her speech.

“Thank you to my fellow councillors for your confidence in electing me as your mayor for the next 12 months,” the newly elected mayor said.

Surf Coast Shire newly elected mayor Libby Stapleton. Picture: Brad Fleet

“Thanks to councillor Bodsworth for your steady and considered leadership over the last year, I really appreciated the opportunity to support and work alongside you in my role as deputy through that time.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have been elected to represent this community.”

Councillor Paul Barker was the only other who stood for the position, but could only garner the votes of himself and Joel Grist, who seconded his bid.

First term Winchelsea councillor Tony Phelps was elected deputy mayor.

First time councillor Tony Phelps will serve as deputy mayor. Picture: Supplied.

“I’ve much enjoyed the past year, as a first time councillor,” Mr Phelps said.

“It’s a good move to have one of the new faces as deputy.

“I look forward very much to working with a great mix of councillors.”

Mr Phelps made headlines in February when he flipped his vote to kill a motion that would have brought back Australia Day events in the shire, leaving a packed gallery in disbelief.

His bid was seconded by new Greens councillor Phoebe Crockett, who was in the house for her first meeting after being sworn in.

Phoebe Crockett (right) was sworn in by chief executive Robyn Seymour at a ceremony last week. Photo: Instagram.

Mr Barker made a similar bid for the deputy position, seconded by Mr Grist, but could only garner the same two votes.

After the meeting, councillor Liz Pattison, who remains away from the shire said “congratulations Libby and Tony” over video link.

The only councillor who did not attend the meeting was Adrian Schonfelder, who was forced to miss after being involved in a vehicle accident as a pedestrian.

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Originally published as Surf Coast Shire council elects experienced hand Libby Stapleton as new mayor