The notion comes after a special meeting of the Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council has been called to decide on a motion that asks Jacqui Lambie Network candidate and the region’s mayor, Michael Kent, to step down while campaigning. 

Councillor Jenifer Crawford, who plans to move the motion, said it was hard to distinguish whether Cr Kent was speaking on behalf of the council or as a candidate. 

“Many ratepayers have spoken to me about them not being happy with the mayor to remain in that position while he is standing as a candidate for the House of Assembly,” Cr Crawford said.

“We’ve had several letters written to councillors collectively and I would say 10 to 20 people have spoken to me personally.

“I always say to them that he does have a legal right to do that, but they have expressed there is a conflict of interest.”

She said the Local Government Act, which allowed mayors and councillors to still run as candidates, should be changed. 

“I actually think the Local Government [Association] should act now because it’s become public and become a problem,” Cr Crawford said.  

However, the Liberals have ruled out changing the Local Government Act.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said the issue was a matter for individual councillors.

“The fact that there appears to be a rift between Mr Kent and his council is symptomatic of the type of minority government chaos and confusion that voters will get if they vote for the JLN,” Mr Gutwein said. 

Labor’s local government spokeswoman Madeleine Ogilvie said the party was always interested in ensuring good council governance.

“Whilst there is no current prohibition in the Local Government Act, we have taken the view that it is inappropriate for mayors to retain the mayoral role, whilst simultaneously running as a state candidate,” Ms Ogilvie said. 

“Our Labor candidate for Braddon, Anita Dow, acted with integrity and commonsense by relinquishing the Mayor’s role.

“I am open-minded about the need to amend the Local Government Act, but I would ask whether we really need to legislate to enforce good practice.” 

Cr Kent said he would not comment until after the council meeting.

Northern Midlands councillor Janet Lambert has taken a leave of absence while she campaigns for a Labor seat but George Town mayor Bridget Archer, running for the Liberals, has not stepped away from her position.

City of Launceston aldermen Simon Wood and Emma Williams are running for a seat in Bass but remain on council duties.

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