Repercussions of council vacancy unknown

BY LUCAS BAIRD

The City of Sydney has said it is too early to say whether there will be a by-election for the former seat of Robyn Kemmis.

Clr Kemmis, who passed away last month, held the position of Deputy Lord Mayor on the council and was deputy chair of several committees.

Her death has meant a void in the business of the City of Sydney council, who is now faced with the decision to either call a by-election or leave the vacancy open until the next local election.

City Hub understands that the City of Sydney must decide whether to hold a by-election within three months of her death, or apply to have the position remain vacant until the next council election.

The Lord Mayor’s office when asked about the possibility of a by-election said, “It’s still too early to answer these questions but there will be progress in the coming weeks as Council returns from its recess.”

This was echoed by independent councillor, John Mant, who told City Hub it was all “up in the air”

“There hasn’t been a memorial for Councillor Kemmis yet, and because of the uncertainty around when the general council elections will take place and various options it is too early comment,” he said.

The questions surrounding council business follow an outpouring of grief over the unexpected death of the Deputy Lord Mayor.

Labor Councillor, Linda Scott, paid tribute to her memory noting her sense of humour.

“I will never forget her wonderfully dry sense of humour and her ability to always use clever, rational argument on a diversity of matters. Put simply, I had immense respect for Robyn and I will miss her terribly,” she stated.

“My deepest condolences go out to her partner Lyn, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, her family and friends and the many communities that valued her immense contribution to our City.”