By Laura Michell
Whittlesea mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova has been indefinitely expelled from the Labor Party.
Cr Lawrie Cox, who is a Labor member, said the party voted to expel Cr Sterjova on January 23.
The decision stems from Cr Sterjova’s election as Whittlesea mayor on November 7.
Cr Cox said prior to the mayoral election, the Labor caucus met to determine which councillor it would support.
Star Weekly understands the caucus decided to back Cr Tom Joseph.
Cr Cox said Cr Sterjova participated in the caucus decision and voted to back another councillor, before changing her mind and voting for herself to become mayor.
Cr Sterjova was nominated for the position of mayor by Cr Norm Kelly.
Cr Cox said Cr Sterjova’s actions broke Labor Party rules.
“She participated and voted in caucus in accordance with the rules of the party and broke that caucus decision and did it for self-promotion,” he said.
“It is all about being a team player … if you don’t deliver in regards to the rules, you leave … she broke the rules.”
Cr Cox said he was “quite comfortable” with the party’s decision, adding it was the most united he had seen the party in 47 years.
“[Cr Sterjova] hasn’t shown any principles that the Labor Party upholds in relation to good governance in local government,” he said.
A Labor spokesperson said the party did not comment on internal matters.
Cr Sterjova was approached for comment, but did not respond by deadline.
