Golden Plains Shire councillor Lachlan Glen resigns a month after election

Family has won the day for a local representative who topped the recent vote count after a campaign that called on council to get the basic services right.

The make up of Golden Plains council is set to change just weeks after the final results were declared. Picture: Alison Wynd.

A local councillor who claimed victory after spruiking a “back to basics” message has resigned just one month into his four-year term.

First-time Golden Plains Shire councillor Lachlan Glen topped the vote count at the recent election, receiving 18.9 per cent of first preference votes in a field of 10.

Lachlan Glen has resigned from Golden Plains council. Picture: Supplied.

The 35-year-old was the first of seven councillors elected last month, but he resigned on Monday due to personal reasons.

“This was a difficult decision to make, especially so early into the council term, but personal circumstances mean I am now in a position where I need to weigh the needs of my family against my service to the shire – my family will win that contest every time,” Mr Glen said.

“I know this will come as a disappointment to those who voted for me and I am disappointed as well, but your vote was not wasted.

“The message from residents in support of my focus on core services has been heard loud and clear.”

A Victorian Electoral Commission spokeswoman said a countback would be held to fill the position.

All votes from the last election would be included in the countback and one of Gavin Gamble, John Crowe or Dom Cook would need to achieve a quota of 1940 votes.

Mr Gamble, a Greens member who was unsuccessful with his re-election bid, received 1138 first preference votes, compared to Mr Crowe’s 800 and Mr Cook’s 533.

Mr Gamble described Mr Glen’s resignation as “good news”, but said he there was a lot to play out.

“I would like to continue the work I started last term, so fingers crossed,” he said.

Similar to several other successful candidates across the region, Mr Glen, a Bannockburn resident, campaigned strongly on a “back to basics” platform.

“As your councillor I will advocate to keep the scope of council small, to ensure council has the right priorities, and to decrease spending wherever possible,” he said in October.

Golden Plains chief executive Shane Walden wished Mr Glen the best for his future endeavours.

Sarah Hayden was elected mayor last month after she defeated Brett Cunningham five votes to two.

Ms Hayden, whose five children include actor Chloe, will serve an initial 12-month term, for which she will receive an annual allowance of $109,114.

The council group opted against appointing a deputy mayor.

Originally published as Golden Plains Shire councillor Lachlan Glen resigns a month after election