Gosnells Mayor Glenn Dewhurst to continue despite vote of no confidence

EMBATTLED City of Gosnells mayor Glenn Dewhurst will continue to lead despite council expressing their lack of confidence in his leadership.

Mayor Dewhurst faced the vote of no confidence at last night’s council meeting after councillor David Goode had proposed they consider the mayor’s position following a tumultuous 11 months in office.

The motion asked for council to condemn the mayor’s comments on his Facebook page following the August 14 council meeting, express a lack of confidence in the mayor and request him to resign.

While the first two points were carried 10-1, the request for the mayor to resign was not carried as it was noted the council had no power to force him to resign.

Cr Goode also withdrew a proposal for council to reduce the Mayor’s sitting fees and allowance to the minimum amount possible if he refused to resign.

He cited a number of reasons for his motion, including the Mayor’s “denigrating” criticisms of council decisions on social media and print media and his use of the acronym ‘DILLIGAF’ at a previous council meeting.

Councillor Olwen Searle said she was sad council’s relationship with the mayor had deteriorated to such a state and he had divided the council.

“My considered opinion that you Mr Mayor, are not a leader if no one is following you,” she said.

Councillor Peter Abetz said the mayor was considered the mouthpiece of the council and mouthing off in the media about the council was unacceptable.

“There comes a point where we need to say, enough is enough,” he said.

Rocky road

Mayor Dewhurst’s relationship with council has deteriorated since he was elected as mayor via lucky dip following a three-way tie with fellow councillors Abetz and Ron Mitchell.

Councillors have previously expressed their unhappiness with the aforementioned comments about council on his social media channels and in print media.

He has been forced to defend sharing a Facebook post by an anti-islamic group which contained false information and council queried his decision to submit a development application under his daughter’s name.

The mayor was also forced to clarify whether or not he had an Australian Police Medal after he initially stated he did.

Tensions were further inflamed last week, when he reported Cr Goode to the Department of Local Government for allegedly accepting a “bribe” in the form of a bag of lemons which was not declared.

However, it appeared residents disagreed with the council, with many speaking out at the council meeting in support of the mayor.

Members of the gallery made statements to praise him for his continued involvement at community events and his passion for the City of Gosnells.