Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp does a Dan Andrews as she shocks supporters by quitting ahead of election

Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp will resign before the end of her second term and will leave office at the end of June, ahead of the October election.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will not be participating in the upcoming local government elections,” he said in a statement Thursday morning.

“I love this job – it is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Melbourne.”

The city was “in dire need of leadership when I was elected”, with “a culture of unacceptable behavior from councilors and delays on important projects”, Ms Capp said.

His decision to resign comes just six months after Victorian Premier Dan Andrews made a similar decision to resign ahead of the next state election.

He pointed to a Queen Victoria Market renovation project, transitional accommodation for homeless people and battery storage plans as key achievements.

Appearing on the ABC’s News Breakfast program on Thursday morning, Ms Capp said: “Given that all of my 50 years so far have been at the town hall, it’s time to move on.”

‘I am encouraging everyone to get involved in public office. “It’s a great way to get involved,” he said.

Mrs. Capp enjoyed the citizenship ceremonies the most.

“We are the biggest and I think the best city in Australia,” he said.

The “impacts” of the Covid-19 pandemic are still being felt, as weekday “rhythms” in the city have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, he said.

Facing “unfair” comments had only strengthened her resolve, Capp said in response to a question about sexist comments.

Ms. Capp next ruled out state or federal policy.