Embattled Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has lost the support of her deputy, with James Limnios calling for her to step aside following the release of another damning report into her conduct.
Mr Limnios said Ms Scaffidi's position as lord mayor was untenable, and ratepayers deserved better after a Department of Local Government report found she had failed to disclose overseas travel and accommodation that had been gifted to her.
The department has recommended starting proceedings against Ms Scaffidi in the State Administrative Tribunal, alleging she committed serious breaches of the Local Government Act.
Mr Limnios told ABC radio that ratepayers "deserve this process to be completed and for this cloud that sits above the capital city of Perth to be removed".
Ms Scaffidi was adamant she had not lost the confidence of the council and challenged Mr Limnios to call a notice of no confidence at Tuesday's council meeting to "test the theory".
"I'm disappointed that the deputy lord mayor feels this way as a lord mayor should be able to rely on the deputy that is appointed by the council vote," Ms Scaffidi told reporters.
City of Perth Councillor Jemma Green also released a statement on Thursday calling for Ms Scaffidi to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation process.
"This situation is undermining the City of Perth's ability to tell its positive story to its ratepayers and the broader community," Ms Green said.
"Left unaddressed, this will cause even more damage to the reputation of the City of Perth and the Office of Lord Mayor."
Ms Scaffidi said earlier this week that she had the support of the majority of the council and only three councillors were not backing her.
A Corruption and Crime Commission report last year exposed her non-disclosure, including a $US36,800 BHP Billiton-funded trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Share
