Darwin councillor, Mad Snake Cafe owner Sam Weston announces lord mayoral bid

A Darwin councillor and business owner has promised to stay “open, honest and transparent” to the community if he is elected as lord mayor. Find out what he has in store.

Sam Weston has announced his intention to run for lord mayor of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Darwin councillor and local business owner Sam Weston says it’s time for a leadership change within the Top End capital’s council chambers, as he pledges to stay “open, honest and transparent” to the community if he is elected as lord mayor.

Mr Weston – who announced on July 4 that he would run for lord mayor of Darwin as an independent – was elected to Lyons Ward in 2023 after a tightly contested by-election saw him secure 53 per cent of preferences.

The Mad Snake Cafe owner and defence force veteran ran as a “frustrated” member of the community, and at the time he hoped his appointment could restore trust in Darwin’s leadership.

“That’s my work life in [one picture],” Sam Weston posted to Facebook on June 26. Picture: Facebook

Mr Weston says said Darwin residents wanted someone who represented them in a positive way. Picture: Thomas McLean

Echoing similar calls made when he first was elected in 2023, Mr Weston told the NT News on Monday that he would be an “open, honest and transparent” leader who doesn’t play party politics.

“Darwin residents want someone that represents them in a positive way,” he said.

“I really enjoy working for the community. I enjoy being a part of the community as a business owner, a veteran and now on council.”

If elected as mayor, Mr Weston said he would bring the City of Darwin “back to the basics”, which included a greater focus on footpaths, public amenities, accessibility, greenery, broken toilets and more.

“We really need to concentrate on making sure that every ward has good footpaths, because that’s the biggest thing people come to me about,” he said.

“And I want whatever decision we make to be open and transparent.”

Mr Weston said he would run as an independent. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

On top of returning to the basics, the local business owner said he wanted to spend more time talking and listening to members of the community, as well as strengthening the relationships within the council.

“It’s time for a new leadership style and someone who works with the council and keeps it together,” Mr Weston said.

“The community wants a change.”

As part of his vision, the father-of-two said he hoped to see a strong mix of people from all walks of life in the next council – especially some more young voices.

“I don’t think there’s any harm in having a young person on the council or as lord mayor,” he said.

Even if it means stepping away from his cafe, Mr Weston said he was willing to do that to serve the people of Darwin.

“I’m passionate about this and I want to do this, and if I don’t get the gig I still get to come back to my cafe,” he said.

To keep up to date with Mr Weston’s campaign, view the Mad Snake Cafe Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/madsnakecafe

Originally published as Darwin councillor, Mad Snake Cafe owner Sam Weston announces lord mayoral bid