Date: 4th July 2026

Northern Midlands Council has announced the resignation of its long-serving General Manager, Des Jennings, concluding a twelve-year tenure marked by significant infrastructure achievements but clouded by recent political and legal controversies.

Northern Midlands Mayor Mary Knowles confirmed that Mr. Jennings officially stepped down from his role on July 1.

In a statement, Mayor Knowles praised Mr. Jennings’ “strong commitment and professionalism,” characterising his departure as a profound loss for the local government sector and the broader community. During his twelve years at the helm, which began in August 2014, Mr. Jennings was credited with spearheading major regional developments, including the Sheepwash Creek flood mitigation project, the revitalisation of the Perth and Campbell Town main streets, and securing crucial funding for the TransLink logistics hub.

“Des’s collaborative approach to management and commitment to staff wellbeing continues to shape the way Council works together to serve our community,” Mayor Knowles said.

Mr Jennings’ departure follows a highly contentious period for the council administration over the past year. He had been on a prolonged period of personal leave beginning in mid-September last year. The extended absence triggered a sharp political rift within the chambers, culminating in January when Councillor Andrew McCullagh publicly called for Mr. Jennings’ immediate termination.

Cr. McCullagh posted a formal motion to Facebook ahead of a council meeting, arguing that the four-month absence gave the council the legal right to end the general manager’s contract.

The move exposed a deep-seated history of friction between the two men. Mr. Jennings had previously launched a defamation lawsuit against Cr. McCullagh over various emails and social media posts, though the case was later stayed.

The legal battle drew intense scrutiny after a Supreme Court determination ruled that the council’s subsequent use of ratepayer funds to cover the general manager’s legal fees was “illegal and arguably corrupt.” While the council administration remained tight-lipped during the height of the fallout—with Maree Bricknell stepping in as acting general manager—the underlying tension has remained a fixture of local debate.

With Mr. Jennings’ sudden resignation effectively drawing a line under his long leadership, the Council is expected to announce its transition arrangements and begin the recruitment process for a permanent successor in the coming weeks.