Mayor Announces Deputy Mayor Appointment

Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt has today announced his appointment of Cr Nobby Clark to the role of Deputy Mayor following the resignation, last week, of Cr Toni Biddle.

“A Mayor has the authority to appoint a Deputy under s41A of the Local Govt Act. I can confirm that I will be tabling the appointment of Cr Clark to the role of Deputy at the next Council meeting. This will come into effect the day following her resignation being 20 October, 2020.

I feel that it is appropriate to take swift action following recent events. It is important that the public has some certainty and reassurance that the City is under the helm of a solid leadership team, as soon as possible.

I am confident that Councillors will respect my decision and the importance of appointing someone to the role whom I feel I am able to work proactively alongside. Cr Clark brings with him strong stakeholder connections, significant community support and a desire to cut through red tape to get things done.

I feel that we have the same objectives to steer the Council through the next two years and the important issues we currently face.

I acknowledge the hard work of Cr Biddle as my Deputy over the past year and wish her well for her journey forward.”

Nobby said, when contacted, he was “delighted” with the appointment, but was also prepared for some backlash from some of his fellow councillors.

“My appointment may not be the most popular with some of my colleagues, and they may try and overturn it, he said.

If that was the case then they would have to give at least 21 days notice.

Nobby said he was pleased Sir Tim had decided to take back some control and not wait for a by-election.

“When you look at what’s happening with our council – we’ve got some factions and some issues around the leadership.”

Nobby said he was prepared to put in the time to help Sir Tim with the governance side of council, and help build strong external relationships within the community – which was his strength already.

whatsoninvers.nz had a poll running asking the public who should mayor Tim choose as new deputy. Nobby Clark was the front runner in the poll.