Tamak Vijay, a Belmont councillor and former driving instructor, convicted of indecently assaulting three women during driving tests, has resigned his position despite not being legally required to do so.
Earlier today, ABC News reported that while Mayor Robert Rossi was urging him to resign, Cr Vijay had not yet indicated his intentions.
The City of Belmont advised that he could retain his councillor role as he has not committed a serious local government offence or received a prison sentence exceeding five years.
It said it was treating the matter as “extremely serious” but that there were no grounds for his disqualification from council.
Subsequently, the city announced that Cr Vijay had resigned his council position, effective yesterday 16th October.
In a statement, the city said it has been in contact with the WA Electoral Commission and confirmed that because the term of office was less than 12 months, the results of the 2023 local government elections can be used to fill the vacancy.
The next available candidate in line from the previous election is Mr Jarod Harris, noting Cr Janet Powell was second in results but was successful in the 2024 extraordinary election for the South Ward.
The City has contacted Mr Harris to advise him of the vacancy and he has confirmed he is available to fill the position of Central Ward Councillor.
The City will be making arrangements to swear Mr Harris onto Council prior to the October Ordinary Council Meeting.
Reacting to the news of Mr Vijay’s resignation and Mr Harris’s election, Mayor Robert Rossi said, “I believe this is a positive outcome for our city and community and I look forward to welcoming Mr Harris to Council.”