Scaffidi claims 'campaign' against her

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has accused two of her strongest critics of colluding with the Labor government against her.

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has accused WA Labor of running a four-year campaign against her. (AAP)

Embattled Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi has accused the WA Labor party of running a four-year campaign against her with the backing of two of her strongest critics on council.

Ms Scaffidi on Monday hit out at re-elected councillors Reece Harley and James Limnios, who is currently the deputy lord mayor.

"There has been a very deliberate campaign afoot against me for three to four years and it has been driven by the one who wants the position of lord mayor the most and that person's political connections have certainly swung in strongly behind him," she told 6PR radio.

"The wrecking ball that I'm accused of swinging has actually been swung by one, and then by two, who will duel it out for the deputy lord mayoral position."

Ms Scaffidi said WA Premier Mark McGowan was "acting only under instruction" from local government minister David Templeman, member for Perth John Carey and the "union left" who want her gone.

"I know your listeners might not believe a lot of what I have to say because my name has been muddied through this process, but certainly the wider public and more sadly the City of Perth stakeholders do not appreciate the political influence that is currently at play," she said.

Ms Scaffidi said she saw it as a separate issue to her "governance matter".

The State Administrative Tribunal found she breached the Local Government Act 45 times by not disclosing accommodation and travel gifts, including a $US24,000 BHP Billiton-funded package to the Beijing Olympics.

Ms Scaffidi agreed in September to stand down from her duties pending an appeal against her 18-month disqualification from holding office.

If Ms Scaffidi loses her appeals against the findings and penalty, or gives up, a fresh mayoral election will be held.

Mr McGowan said the election result, which also included two of Ms Scaffidi's allies losing their spots, showed the community was sending her another message that she should step down.

Mr Carey agreed the people had spoken and wanted change from the old regime.


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Source: AAP



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