Golden Plains Shire Council has announced the immediate resignation of Councillor Brett Cunningham, who served as an elected Councillor since 2020 and held the position of Mayor during 2023 and 2024.
Mr Cunningham has cited the need to prioritise his and his family’s health and wellbeing.
The council will consult the Victorian Electoral Commission about a process to fill the vacancy.
The resignation comes as the Council’s mayor Sarah Hayden is on a leave of absence in the wake of controversial media reports about alleged behaviour during a recent overseas trip with family.
Cr Hayden denies the allegation, and said she is taking formal legal action and is now on a period of leave.
The Council has elected Cr Helena Kirby as Acting Mayor.