Cr Ross Kerridge has resigned from his role as Lord Mayor of Newcastle, effective immediately.
The Lord Mayor wrote to City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath this morning to confirm his decision to prioritise his health and family as he continues to experience the side-effects of recent cancer treatment.
The resignation will trigger a byelection and election of a new Lord Mayor. The State Electoral Commission has been contacted and a date will be finalised over the coming week.
It has been a challenging few months for the Lord Mayor as he has battled ill health and we recognise the effort of coming back early from his treatment to resume his civic duties.
While his ongoing commitment to the city is clear, we support the Lord Mayor in prioritising his health and recognising that he is no longer best placed to lead the elected council and the city.
We wish Dr Kerridge and his family all the best and hope for ongoing improvements to his health and wellbeing.
Section S231(3) of the Local Government Act states that in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor will exercise these functions. On this basis, Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe will again take on the functions of the Lord Mayor until such time as a byelection is held. This election is likely to occur in mid-April.
