In a significant leadership shift for Whittlesea council, councillor Martin Taylor has been elected unopposed as mayor, marking a new era of governance for the embattled council.
The decision came during an unscheduled council meeting on Thursday, April 24, following the suspension of former mayor Aidan McLindon by Local Government Minister Nick Staikos in Wednesday, April 16.
Cr Taylor, who represents the South Morang ward and was first elected in 2024, will serve as mayor until the conclusion of the current term on November 18, 2025.
Councillor Daniella Zinni will continue in her role as deputy mayor.
Addressing the chamber and community, Cr Taylor struck a tone of unity and renewal.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this council through what will no doubt be a defining time for our city,” Cr Taylor said.
“It’s time for a new beginning. A time to rise above the challenges of the last six months to embrace a shared vision for the future.”
With a strong message of inclusivity, integrity and good governance, the new mayor pledged to put residents at the heart of the council’s decisions.
“Our role as your elected council is to be custodians of your hopes and needs,” Cr Taylor said.
“I commit to leading with accessibility, fairness and a clear commitment to strengthening our communities.“
During the unscheduled council meeting, a number of councillors spoke about Cr Taylor’s appointment as mayor marking a new chapter for the council, noting that he had provided leadership to councillors during the events of the past six months.
Cr McLindon was suspended the same day that the minister announced a Commission of Inquiry into the council.
Mr Staikos said that during his suspension Mr McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any duties or exercise the power of a councillor including attending council meetings, delegated committes or attending council presmises.
The state government said the independent inquiry would allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October.
