LNP votes in finance chair as Brisbane’s new Deputy Mayor
Brisbane will have its second female Deputy Mayor in a row after an LNP party room ballot today endorsed the city’s finance chair for the role.
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Brisbane City Council finance chair Fiona Cunningham will be the city’s new Deputy Mayor after an LNP party room ballot at City Hall on Friday morning.
Ms Cunningham was almost immediately tipped to land the job after Krista Adams stepped down a week ago in a surprise move.
It was believed transport committee chair Ryan Murphy was the only other serious contender.
A council spokeswoman on Thursday ruled out Ms Adams running at the federal election in Bonner, which overlapped her ward, and said she would “not run federally in any capacity’’.
Ms Cunningham has represented Coorparoo ward since 2019 and joined Civic Cabinet in 2020.
She was the first member of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s cabinet to have a baby while serving in the role.
The journalism graduate has proved a strong media performer and handed down last year’s austere budget with minimal blowback despite cost cutting.
A director of the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation, she has become an advocate alongside residents Sue and Lloyd Clarke for the criminalisation of coercive control.
She has been a finalist in the Australia-wide McKinnon Prize, which recognised outstanding political leadership
Ms Cunningham worked closely with Mr Schrinner during the pandemic and the 2022 flood response.
She also performed strongly in last year’s council election, playing a key role as spokeswoman for the LNP administration during the campaign.
Civic Cabinet will return to the traditional number of eight chair roles after next Tuesday’s council meeting, delivering a small cost saving to ratepayers.
Cr Adams’ Economic Development, Nighttime Economy and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee portfolio responsibilities will be redistributed.
Mr Schrinner, who is also a vice president of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, will oversee the city’s preparation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
City Planning chair Adam Allan will take on the responsibilities of economic development and night time economy.
“Fiona is a strong advocate for her community as well as a key part of our leadership team and I know she’s going to be a fantastic deputy mayor,’’ Mr Schrinner said.
“Krista’s decision to step down early is testament to her character as a team player and I want to thank her for everything she has done to serve Brisbane as Deputy Mayor.
Ms Cunningham said she had always stood up for what she believed.
“Being Deputy Mayor will be a huge honour and big responsibility and I am as dedicated as ever to ensure we keep Brisbane moving,” she said.
Originally published as LNP votes in finance chair as Brisbane’s new Deputy Mayor
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