BY OLI GOELDNER
Greens councillor Charlotte McCabe has put her hand up for pre-selection for Lord Mayor, ahead of the upcoming City of Newcastle by-election.
Following Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge's surprise resignation earlier this week, Council is now looking for an adequate replacement.
Cr McCabe ran as the Greens candidate for the position in the 2024 local government election, but was not successful.
She stepped us the Acting Lord Mayor late last year, after Cr Kerridge had to step down to undergo chemotherapy.
Cr McCabe told 2NURFM she believes she has a good chance at landing the spot.
"I'm hoping that I've been able to demonstrate to the community that I'm a calm and considerate leader, that I can work with everyone across the chamber," she said.
"It's been a really amazing privilege to be in the role as Acting Lord Mayor.
"But, I hope my time in that role has been able to demonstrate the type of mayor that I would be."
A by-election for the position will be held in the next few months, with the date still undecided.
Additionally, Cr McCabe said it's important to diversify Council's political orientation.
"I think it is really important for any area to have a diversity of political representatives," she said.
"So, to have a Labor state, federal and mayor representative, I just don't think it works in the best interest of the community.
"If I am the candidate, that's going to be a key reason for arguing for a Greens mayor this time around."
It has been speculated by local media who will also put their hands up for the role, including fellow Acting Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and former councillor Carol Duncan.
