LORRAINE Learmonth will either remain mayor of Gannawarra Shire Council or be replaced by Brian Gibson by the conclusion of tonight’s statutory meeting.
They were the only two councillors to indicate that they would seek election as mayor following the declaration of the election of councillors for the next four-year term.
The contest is a repeat of the 2015 mayoral election, when Cr Learmonth defeated Cr Gibson by four votes to three.
Although council is elected every four years, the civic leader’s position is determined annually.
Cr Learmonth, who was a surprise contender last year, said while it had taken some time to find her feet in the job, she now felt well established and wanted to continue on for another term.
“It would only be for one more year, because I think two years is long enough for someone to be mayor,” she said.
The Yarran Ward councillor was nominated 12 months ago by then ward colleague Cr Neville Goulding, who withdrew his candidature without explanation after previously stating publicly that he would seek a fourth successive term as mayor.
Cr Gibson, who was re-elected as a Patchell Ward councillor, declined to speak on record about his candidacy for the position, other than to say his “aspirations haven’t diminished”.
The statutory meeting will involve the seven elected councillors being sworn in, including four newly elected councillors.
