Councillor's attempted no-confidence motion in Derwent Valley Mayor fails

Derwent Valley Councillor Wayne Shoobridge has failed in his attempt to put a motion forward seeking a vote of "no confidence" in Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis during the council’s November meeting.

The motion was put forward after Cr Shoobridge was said to have asked Cr Dracoulis questions that didn't receive straightforward answers.

The no-confidence motion was denied after failing to gain the backing of other councillors and followed persistent Code of Conduct complaints filed against the Cr Dracoulis.

At a previous Code of Conduct hearing, the panel dismissed claims against the Mayor and found there was no harassment or bullying between her and the council’s general manager, Ron Sanderson.

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis thanked her fellow councillors “for their confidence, and for the respectful and orderly manner in which they conducted themselves during the recent meeting”.

“I remain focused on getting on with the job of working with councillors, staff, government, external organisations and our community to address the real issues that face the Derwent Valley and deliver the best outcomes for our region,” Cr Dracoulis said.

She also confirmed that she would run for Derwent Valley Mayor again during the local government elections next year.