Widely regarded as a hot favourite to be Hobsons Bay’s next mayor, Cr Luba Grigorovitch has told the Weekly she will not be a contender for the top job.
The Altona ALP branch secretary and an organiser with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union cited career obligations as the basis for her decision.
“I’m unable to put my hand up for mayor this year,” the deputy mayor said on Monday.
This likely leaves the door open to fifth-term councillor Peter Hemphill, who was mayor in 2008-09 – unless one of three rookies puts their hand up.
Three new councillors elected last year are Colleen Gates, Paul Morgan and Sandra Wilson.
Present mayor Angela Altair, first elected to the council in 1999, also served as mayor in 2002-03. Cr Tony Briffa was elected to the council in 2008 and served as mayor in 2011-12.
Hobsons Bay councillors will elect the new mayor on November 8 at 7pm.
Maribyrnong’s mayoral election is on October 30 at 6.30pm.
