Update:

More developments in the Wyndham Mayoral saga today. The Local Government Minister, Nick Staikos, has reportedly announced he will appoint a Municipal Monitor to the Council. This comes as all of the remaining councillors make a united call for Mayor Cr Preet Singh to resign.

The ten Councillors, including former Mayor Josh Gilligan, say Cr Singh “is no longer fit to hold the Office of Mayor.” Read the Council statement here

The Star Weekly has reported that the Minister is “deeply concerned by the ongoing instability” and will appoint a monitor to “restore stability in the leadership.” Read the Star Weekly report: Minister announces monitor for Wyndham council

Wyndham Council has welcomed the appointment of a monitor, but says it’s not a governance issue – it is about a councillor who is putting their own interests ahead of the Council and residents. Read the Council’s latest statement here.

Earlier: The mayor of Wyndham City, Cr Preet Singh, says he has asked Deputy Mayor Cr Jasmine Hill to act in the mayoral role, amid pressure to resign over a character reference given in 2024. It is unclear how long his absence from the role will be.

The character reference was for a friend who was later jailed on child sex charges, according to media reports.

In a Facebook post today, Cr Singh has apologised “for any hurt or harm caused” and said he respects the right of community members to express their views on the matter.

It’s understood a community demonstration is planned for later today in Werribee, and Cr Singh says he has reached out to those leading the demonstration to “listen” and “convey my sincere sympathies directly.”

As previously reported, calls for his resignation have come from within the Council and beyond, with local MP John Lister writing to the Local Government Minister Nick Staikos about the issue.

There has been no official comment as yet from the Council or the Minister.