Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp Announces Decision to Step Down in June

Melbourne‘s first directly elected female lord mayor, Sally Capp, has revealed her intention to step down from her position after six years of service, making a significant announcement that will see a leadership transition within the City of Melbourne.

Capp, who was elected mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2020, cited a desire to explore new opportunities as the driving force behind her decision to not contest the upcoming local government election in October.

With her departure set for June, Capp’s deputy, Nicholas Reece, is poised to assume the role of lord mayor and lead the city until the October elections.

During her tenure, Capp has been actively involved in key projects such as the redevelopment of the Queen Victoria Market precinct and the Greenline project along the Yarra River, marking significant milestones in her leadership.

Former federal senator and media personality, Derryn Hinch, recently withdrew from the lord mayoral race citing financial constraints, paving the way for a potentially diverse field of candidates to succeed Capp in the upcoming elections.

Reflecting on her time as lord mayor, Capp emphasized the challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on the city’s vibrancy, but also highlighted the resilience of Melbourne in navigating these obstacles and revitalizing its identity.

Premier Jacinta Allan commended Capp’s dedication to stabilizing City Hall during a tumultuous period and expressed confidence in Reece’s ability to continue Capp’s legacy with a positive outlook on the city’s future.